Day 42: ALWAYS Give Thanks!
19Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Today’s Scripture may seem a little strange in a series titled 40 Days of Gratitude, but the advice offered by the Apostle Paul is incredibly important if we are to live an attitude of gratitude. Paul tells us, ”Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is the “power source” for our lives as Jesus’ followers. As we learned in Ephesians 5:18-21, when we are filled and controlled with the Holy Spirit the result is that we will sing to the Lord, and we will ALWAYS give thanks for EVERYTHING to the Lord. Thus, stifling the Holy Spirit means stifling the source for victorious living AND the source of thanksgiving in our lives. If we want to be grateful, if we want to always give thanks to God no matter what—then we must let the Holy Spirit fill and control us. Many in our day believe that the Holy Spirit is no longer working in active ways in our lives. For them the Holy Spirit is nothing more than our “conscience.” He (more commonly referred to as “it”) is that “little voice” in our heads that tells us what is right and wrong, nothing more, nothing less. Actually, the Holy Spirit does teach us what is right and wrong, but that is far from the end of His role in our lives. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of the living God in us. Jesus told us that when the Holy Spirit comes He empowers us to be witnesses for Him EVERYWHERE. DO NOT STIFLE THE HOLY SPIRIT, because it is by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit alone that we gain victory in the day-to-day living of life. It is by the Holy Spirit alone that we may say THANK YOU to God and to others no matter what the circumstances. As we come to the end of our 40 (actually 43) days of Gratitude, my prayer is that they will only be the beginning of a LIFETIME of giving thanks to God always, no matter what happens in our lives! Why not take some time right now, to ask God to fill you anew with the Holy Spirit that You may live an attitude of gratitude throughout this day, and that you may awake tomorrow with that same attitude as you join us in worship!
Questions and Comments for Reflection and Action:
What role is the Holy Spirit playing in your life right now? Do you sense His active presence in your life? If not, take some time to ask Him to fill and empower You for living in victory!
What situations in life tend to be times when you stifle the Holy Spirit? The next time one comes up take the time to ask God to overcome and to fill you anew with the Spirit!