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Listen while you read: "Give Me That Old Time Religion"1
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Genesis 32:26 – Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (NIV)
I had been waiting for summer. Now that it had come, I was longing for respite from its sizzling heat. Thus I dug out dusty fans, then strategically positioned them to avail myself of their cooling breeze. What relief those whirling blades brought to my stifling situation!
Likewise, God's Holy Spirit is able to bring similar relief into our lives, when the heat of life's sizzling challenges threatens to stifle us spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. His presence can be as a refreshing breeze when we take time to seek and listen to His still small voice within us. When we do so, He brings relief through reminding us of all that we have already learned concerning God's truths and how they interact in our lives. He is then able to prompt us to put these truths into action — actions which strengthen us to stand firm against the heat of spiritual battles. He also comforts us amidst all our struggles, so that we, in turn, may be able to comfort others in their time of need, a ministry that produces a breeze of refreshment to our souls.
Availing myself of the Spirit's help, however, continually takes practice, for I have often discovered that I must first wrestle with myself before He is allowed full access to my heart. I must muscle my pride, which dictates that I can handle things my way, out of the way. I must put self-discipline ahead of reactive anger, which would rather throw a tantrum than be cool-headed. I must actively choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart instead of my own understanding, even when I don't understand what God is doing. Much like Jacob, who wrestled with God all night, refusing to let Him go until He blessed him, I, too, must wrestle against myself to let go and let God bless me through the refreshing breeze of the guidance and wisdom of His Spirit.
What about you? Does letting go of self and letting God bless you come easily, or do you wrestle much like I do? I suspect that if we're honest, we're all wrestlers at heart from time to time, for as humans, we tend to react within the heat of the moment rather than remembering to entrust the battle to God, allowing Him to handle it for us, through the working of His Spirit within us.
Amidst the heat of whatever battles that may come our way today, which will you choose: to let go of self and let God, or to continue wrestling in the heat?
Prayer: Father God, help me to learn, daily, to let go of self and to grab onto You and Your Spirit to find cooling relief amidst the heat of the battles of this world. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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Thank you, Lynne, for today’s devotion.
Thanks Lynne. Blessings to you and your family.
Amen and amen. Well said Lynne. Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you for sharing God’s truths this morning. Lord bless you for your dedication to him in your writing.
God bless you Lynne with another great one. Yes, I too wrestle sometimes then finally realize God is the answer.
Have a blessed weekend.
Thank you, Lynne. It seems so difficult to remember that THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S.
You are a real blessing to remind us of what we need to put into practise.
May God’s love keep blessing you.
Dear Lynne,
Thanks so very much once again for a very thought-provoking devotional.
May God continue to anoint your writings as you share your experiences and wisdom with us.
I just wanted to thank you and encourage you. I feel like I know you – I also live in Alberta. You have been blessed with a certain way of writing that I often recognize before I read your name. I’m always encouraged, challenged, and blessed by God’s Word through you. Keep writing for Him.
God Bless!
Good Morning Lynne,
Thank you for today’s devotion. I definitely needed this wonderful reminder ~ Amen. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks,
(ON, Canada)
Many thanks Lynne for another of your very special writings. Yes, it sure takes us strength at times to “let go and let God” lead us through certain situations but what a relief when we do let Him take charge. Hie guidance and help in our daily lives is truly awesome! Blessings for these encouraging and mindful devotionals you prepare and share with us.
As usual, Lynne, you got it! Filled with scriptural phrases, (I lost count) it hits right at the heart of the transformation that is being wrought under the guidance of the HS!
Bless you and enjoy the “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” which brings cooler temperatures.
From ONE of your fans in the DD Community!
Hi Lynne,
I enjoyed your PresbyCan Devotional this morning as my mind went back to July 19, 2024 when it was 34.4 in Edmonton. And, to answer your question – “Does letting go of self and letting God bless you come easily, or do you wrestle much like I do?” I am a wrestler! Therefore your prayer is sincerely appreciated.
God bless.
Good morning, Lynne,
The heat this year has really been very unbearable because of the high humidity. Being retired, I can hide out inside most of the time or get up and do things early in the morning.
I definitely forget sometimes to rely on God and wrestle to do it myself until I finally get the message. I am glad you had some fans to pull out and use. They can make such a big difference. I find ceiling fans a blessings. God is our blessing and He waits patiently for us. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you again and again Lynne. It seems so very counter intuitive that one’s need is there every single morning. I would have thought that our accumulated knowledge’, ‘understanding’, ‘experience’, etc. would carry us through the struggles we’ve already been through. But, NO!
Needs are there to be attended to … by GOD … through calling on HIM before starting the day – every day. Here I am in the midst of physical and emotional struggle to keep going, and in tears because I feel as if I’ve pushed as far as I can – almost decided not to read today’s reflection. Then – there you were, with exactly what was needed to remind me that HE is there to carry the burden – burdens of physical pain that is certainly going to limit my ability to carry on as before, my pride that’s at the point of being broken, and my emotions too! So I really am in “the ring” wrestling for freedom from pride and the feeling of helplessness. I always wonder how many more people are ‘lifted’ by your insights, and by your way with words and metaphors.
How very grateful I am. And now, on to His Word before I head into His day, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. May HE bless your day.
Humility brings peace.