On a recent Sunday, I attended church for the first time in a month. I had been sick with high blood pressure and in the hospital. Now I am back to normal, just feeling very weak. But that Sunday was way beyond my control. Besides attending church, I also had a friend, here in the building where I live, ask me to have a prayer with her in the early afternoon before her family arrived to take her husband's ashes away to put in the ocean. Did I have the energy for all this so soon after regaining my health? I turned to the Lord for help.

Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (NIV)

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV 2011)

We may be asking where our help comes from when we are weak. Well, I found out that day. I was really tired when I returned home from church, and prayer with someone I hardly knew was going to be stressful and awkward, but I left it to God to carry me through the prayer gathering in the afternoon. His Spirit was certainly with me there. I could sense Him nearby and in me; I was at peace. I was not worried about anything, and the afternoon went well. It was greatly appreciated. Having a prayer with this new friend meant a great deal. Praying together, with arms circling each of us, was a lovely moment. I sensed the fruit of the Spirit in my life.

Galatians 5:22-23a – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

When we live in the Spirit, there is love shared, joy together, peace in our hearts, patience with each other, kindness, goodness, and especially self-control in an awkward situation. Those are all available when we live in the Spirit of Jesus. Yes, that is how it feels to be alive in the Spirit. Wonderful! Living in the Spirit brings with it a huge sense of calm. God knows and sends His Spirit to comfort and sustain us. This is a wonderful experience when attending something for the first time, and sharing with strangers. Do you know what I am speaking about? Have you experienced being alive in the Spirit? It is the most wonderful, reassuring feeling one can have. All we need to do is invite Him in. Ah! the peace — such tremendous calm.

Prayer: Lord, please fill us with Your Spirit this day, giving us the assurance of Your loving presence. We are not alone in what we try to do; You are here. Thank You for Your blessings. Amen.

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