Learning to Welcome (Not 'Quench') the Holy Spirit During Tough Times
Have you ever heard someone say that we’re not to “quench” the Holy Spirit? It comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:19:
Do not quench the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19, NIV)
”How many of us pause to consider the ways in which we inadvertently quench the Spirit’s work in our lives individually and in our churches corporately? … To use Paul’s metaphor or analogy, the Spirit is like a fire whose flame we want to be careful not to quench or extinguish. The Holy Spirit wants to intensify the heat of his presence among us, to inflame our hearts and fill us with the warmth of his indwelling power.” (Pastor Sam Storms, @DesiringGod)
In the past, I think I both intentionally and unintentionally quenched the Holy Spirit.
Intentionally through known but unconfessed sin. In the thick of a struggle, it can sometimes be so difficult to own up to it and surrender to the Holy Spirit’s nudging to get right with God.
And perhaps unintentionally many times when, through this, I allowed my heart to grow hard to God’s voice. When I reacted to tough situations out of my flesh (complaining!) rather than seeking and being centered on God.
Right now times are extra hard. God knows that. But because he’s given us his Holy Spirit, he knows we’re not facing things alone (John 14:15-18).
God in his infinite goodness wants to pour out and refresh us. He is with us every second and invites us to tap into his infinite resources. I’ve heard the Holy Spirit described as a “gentleman” (@joycemeyer) in that he won’t force himself into our lives in his fullness unless he is invited … so let’s invite him in!
Amidst the current situation, we can still enjoy him and enjoy life.
Thank you, God, for your infinite kindness. I love you.
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