“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD” (Psalm 119:1).

There are churches and Christians who make a big deal about “living in the spirit.”

And those churches who usually make a big deal about “living in the spirit,” are normally referring to an ecstatic experience. It normally refers to speaking in tongues, spiritual healing, and having a charismatic experience.

While I don’t discount that one can have such ecstatic experiences, I am pretty sure that’s not what the Bible is talking about.

If living in the spirit was talking about ecstatic experiences and speaking in tongues, why aren’t all Christians doing that and experiencing that? Because God wants all of us to live in his Spirit. That’s a given. So, if God wants all of us to live in his Spirit, and if that is talking about ecstatic experiences then we should all be having them. Right?

So then, if it’s not referring to ecstatic experiences then what does it mean to live in the Spirit? 

If you really want to live in the Spirit, live according to the word of God.

Show me a person whose life is governed by the word of God and you can be certain you have a life that is governed by the Spirit of God.

It’s not about experiences. It’s not about ecstatic expressions. It’s not about speaking in tongues. If you are living by the Spirit of God, you are living according to the word of God. And this is something God wants every disciple to do.

Start with reading God’s word. Then apply God’s word.

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.”

“Because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

One of my seminary professors used to say, “Until you’ve been to the bottom of the abysssssss, your faith will always remain shallow.”

I never liked it when he said that. Whatever the abysssss was, the way he said it, I didn’t want any part of it.

That’s kind of the way I feel about pain and suffering. Yeah. I know. The Bible says that suffering produces Godly character and hope. But, come on…pain and suffering.

You know…Pain hurts. Suffering stinks.

So what’s wrong with a shallow, characterless, hopeless faith?

That’s just the problem. That’s not good either.

So if you find yourself going through a season of pain, loss, and suffering, take note. God is preparing you, training you, and setting you up for a season of growth and maturity.

Think about lifting weights in the gym or running. The only way we get into shape and improve is through pain and suffering. But today’s pain is in preparation for tomorrow’s strength.

Because of who our God is, the pain, suffering, and loss you are experiencing today will lead to the strength you will enjoy tomorrow.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Reminder:

• God is good
• God loves you and wants what is best for you
• God sees you. You are never alone
• God knew today’s world needed you
• God has great things planned for you
• God has forgiven your past so that your past cannot imprison you
• God loves you more than you can ever imagine or understand
• God is with you