Daily Journal: 3 October

The Spirit of God is with You

Even when we don’t feel Him, if we follow Christ, His Spirit is with us. His glory resides within us, so it cannot be separate from us.

When we’re sad, when we feel alone, when we’re laughing, when we’re studying, working, talking, shopping, celebrating, the Spirit of the Lord is with us.

We can help ourselves by reminding ourselves that in every activity and occasion, the Spirit of God and the weight of His glory is present with us. His glory is seen even when we may not be aware of it. Other people can sense it. Often, that may be the reason we’re favoured, or it may equally be the reason we're insulted. Read 2 Corinthians 3 and 4. Some people who oppose us do so because they are of a different spirit. It is the spirit in them that recognises and opposes the Spirit in us.

1 Peter 4:14 (NCV)

When people insult you because you follow Christ, you are blessed, because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you.

If we’re favoured because of God's glory in us, don’t we praise God? We’re delighted, and we celebrate it. Yet, when we’re insulted do we praise God as readily? It is the same Spirit at work in us.

It is because of the same Spirit of righteousness that the early Christians rejoiced in their suffering. Read Hebrews 12:4-11; James 1; Romans 5. It wasn’t a super-natural enjoyment of suffering, it was a joy in the righteousness that they knew to be true and were unwilling to trade. They understood the gift of righteousness manifested His glory.

Suffering insults isn’t fun but being able to handle ourselves with the Spirit of righteousness is something we learn. It isn’t something we have to take insipidly, but neither are we to cause offense. It isn't something we have to take personally, but neither do we need to be removed. This is something we learn. It doesn't come naturally. Jesus remained quiet when He was insulted in the farcical court before His crucifixion, yet He defended Himself, His disciples and the gospel of the Kingdom of God plenty of other times.

We should be led by the Spirit of God. Remembering His glory in our conduct brings us a step closer to managing those situations better.

1 Peter 3:14-17 (NCV)

But even if you suffer for doing right, you are blessed.

“Don’t be afraid of what they fear; do not dread those things.” Isaiah 8:12–13 But respect Christ as the holy Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have, but answer in a gentle way and with respect. Keep a clear conscience so that those who speak evil of your good life in Christ will be made ashamed. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong if that is what God wants.

Matthew 5:15-16 (TLB)

Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.