Delighting in God’s Presence

Dec 26 – Jan 2

By the Spirit

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/30/20

When we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our lives, we will discover increasing joy in the presence of God.

Many years ago, I struggled with my weight. I would go on crash diets and would see amazing results, but those results were short-lived because what I really needed was a lifestyle change and the power of the Holy Spirit to work that change in me.

When we try to resist the devil in our own strength, it might work for a little while. We’ll take one step forward, but we’ll soon find ourselves taking two steps back. The same is true when we try to overcome temptation through our own efforts, with our own determination. We need power that we simply don’t have on our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit.

You may be thinking, I’m saved. I’m going to heaven. What does this really matter? Friend, the Christian life is about so much more than making it into heaven. To know true intimacy with God, to experience the joy of His presence, is a taste of heaven right now.

Are you seeking greater joy and freedom? You don’t have to struggle tirelessly with sin. Instead delight yourself completely in God’s Word—and watch as the Holy Spirit transforms you from the inside out.

Prayer: Lord, I want to experience true intimacy with You and complete joy in Your presence today. Help me submit to Your Spirit in my inmost being so that I might keep in step with Him each day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).