Communion with God
In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, how do we stay grounded in our faith and remain relevant as believers? This question becomes increasingly important as we navigate through uncertain times, facing challenges that can easily overwhelm us. The key lies in understanding the concept of anointing and how it applies to our lives today.
Many of us may shy away from the idea of being "anointed," thinking it's reserved for spiritual giants or those in ministry. However, if we're believers, we all have an anointing. This anointing represents the Holy Spirit and what He wants to do in and through our lives. It's not about being super-spiritual; it's about allowing God to work in us and through us effectively.
One of the biggest obstacles to experiencing a fresh anointing is our tendency to fixate on yesterday's revivals or past experiences with God. While it's natural to look back fondly on how God moved in the past, we risk becoming irrelevant – "yesterday's man" – if we fail to recognize how He's moving today. The Holy Spirit is always at work, even if it looks or sounds different from what we're used to.
The story of King Saul serves as a cautionary tale. Though anointed as Israel's first king, Saul became yesterday's man due to his pride and disobedience. In 1 Samuel 15, we see God's judgment on Saul and the prophet Samuel's grief over this turn of events. It's a stark reminder that even those chosen by God can forfeit their position if they fail to remain obedient and humble.
So how do we avoid becoming yesterday's man and maintain a fresh anointing? The life of Samuel provides us with two crucial practices:
1. Communion with God
In times of trouble and uncertainty, our first instinct is often to seek information and understanding. We turn to the news, social media, or endless online searches, hoping to find answers and security. However, this approach is fundamentally flawed. As John Eldredge points out, we've become "disciples of the internet," believing that safety and security are found in having the right information.
But true peace and understanding come from a different source altogether. Instead of reaching for our phones, we need to reach for God. Creating "sacred space" – intentional time set aside for communion with God – is essential. This means giving God our full attention, listening for His voice, and allowing Him to reassure us with His truth.
Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with His Father. If the Son of God needed this, how much more do we? In James 4:7-10, we're encouraged to draw near to God, resist the devil, and humble ourselves before the Lord. This process of intentionally seeking God's presence is what settles our hearts and minds in tumultuous times.
2. Obedience to God's Word
While we'll delve deeper into this aspect in the future, it's important to note that Samuel's relevance and fresh anointing were also tied to his obedience. Unlike Saul, Samuel consistently followed God's instructions, even when they were difficult or didn't make sense from a human perspective.
In our current climate of chaos and uncertainty, it's crucial to remember that God is not the author of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The turmoil we see in the world is not a sign that God has lost control. Rather, it's an indication that the enemy is ramping up his efforts to steal, kill, and destroy as we draw closer to Christ's return.
Our response to this chaos matters greatly. Instead of getting caught up in endless news cycles or conspiracy theories, we need to anchor ourselves in God's presence and His Word. Scriptures like Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27, and Philippians 4:6-7 remind us that true peace comes from fixing our thoughts on God and trusting in Him.
Practical steps for maintaining a fresh anointing:
1. Set aside dedicated time for communion with God daily.
2. Practice His presence throughout the day, not just at set times.
3. When you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, use it as a cue to turn to God instead.
4. Ask God to speak peace over your personal "storms."
5. Carve out and protect sacred spaces in your life where you can hear from God.
6. Allow God to correct misaligned thoughts and feelings through His Word and presence.
Remember, intimacy with God takes time. It's not about gaining more information or working harder. It's about creating space for God to work in you so He can work through you. This sacred communion is the epicenter of the Holy Spirit's anointing in your life.
As we face the challenges of our day, let's not get bogged down in grief, worry, or fear. Instead, let's commit to constant communion with God and obedience to His Word. This is how we remain relevant, how we become "today's man" or woman, ready to be used by God in whatever circumstances we face.
In closing, if you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, take a moment right now to reorient your heart and mind to God. Allow Him to speak peace over your troubled spirit. He doesn't want you to worry; He wants to guide you through these uncertain times with His presence and His peace.
By cultivating this intimate relationship with God and walking in obedience, we can maintain a fresh anointing and be effective witnesses for Christ in our generation, no matter how chaotic the world around us may become.
Many of us may shy away from the idea of being "anointed," thinking it's reserved for spiritual giants or those in ministry. However, if we're believers, we all have an anointing. This anointing represents the Holy Spirit and what He wants to do in and through our lives. It's not about being super-spiritual; it's about allowing God to work in us and through us effectively.
One of the biggest obstacles to experiencing a fresh anointing is our tendency to fixate on yesterday's revivals or past experiences with God. While it's natural to look back fondly on how God moved in the past, we risk becoming irrelevant – "yesterday's man" – if we fail to recognize how He's moving today. The Holy Spirit is always at work, even if it looks or sounds different from what we're used to.
The story of King Saul serves as a cautionary tale. Though anointed as Israel's first king, Saul became yesterday's man due to his pride and disobedience. In 1 Samuel 15, we see God's judgment on Saul and the prophet Samuel's grief over this turn of events. It's a stark reminder that even those chosen by God can forfeit their position if they fail to remain obedient and humble.
So how do we avoid becoming yesterday's man and maintain a fresh anointing? The life of Samuel provides us with two crucial practices:
1. Communion with God
In times of trouble and uncertainty, our first instinct is often to seek information and understanding. We turn to the news, social media, or endless online searches, hoping to find answers and security. However, this approach is fundamentally flawed. As John Eldredge points out, we've become "disciples of the internet," believing that safety and security are found in having the right information.
But true peace and understanding come from a different source altogether. Instead of reaching for our phones, we need to reach for God. Creating "sacred space" – intentional time set aside for communion with God – is essential. This means giving God our full attention, listening for His voice, and allowing Him to reassure us with His truth.
Jesus Himself often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with His Father. If the Son of God needed this, how much more do we? In James 4:7-10, we're encouraged to draw near to God, resist the devil, and humble ourselves before the Lord. This process of intentionally seeking God's presence is what settles our hearts and minds in tumultuous times.
2. Obedience to God's Word
While we'll delve deeper into this aspect in the future, it's important to note that Samuel's relevance and fresh anointing were also tied to his obedience. Unlike Saul, Samuel consistently followed God's instructions, even when they were difficult or didn't make sense from a human perspective.
In our current climate of chaos and uncertainty, it's crucial to remember that God is not the author of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The turmoil we see in the world is not a sign that God has lost control. Rather, it's an indication that the enemy is ramping up his efforts to steal, kill, and destroy as we draw closer to Christ's return.
Our response to this chaos matters greatly. Instead of getting caught up in endless news cycles or conspiracy theories, we need to anchor ourselves in God's presence and His Word. Scriptures like Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27, and Philippians 4:6-7 remind us that true peace comes from fixing our thoughts on God and trusting in Him.
Practical steps for maintaining a fresh anointing:
1. Set aside dedicated time for communion with God daily.
2. Practice His presence throughout the day, not just at set times.
3. When you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, use it as a cue to turn to God instead.
4. Ask God to speak peace over your personal "storms."
5. Carve out and protect sacred spaces in your life where you can hear from God.
6. Allow God to correct misaligned thoughts and feelings through His Word and presence.
Remember, intimacy with God takes time. It's not about gaining more information or working harder. It's about creating space for God to work in you so He can work through you. This sacred communion is the epicenter of the Holy Spirit's anointing in your life.
As we face the challenges of our day, let's not get bogged down in grief, worry, or fear. Instead, let's commit to constant communion with God and obedience to His Word. This is how we remain relevant, how we become "today's man" or woman, ready to be used by God in whatever circumstances we face.
In closing, if you find yourself overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, take a moment right now to reorient your heart and mind to God. Allow Him to speak peace over your troubled spirit. He doesn't want you to worry; He wants to guide you through these uncertain times with His presence and His peace.
By cultivating this intimate relationship with God and walking in obedience, we can maintain a fresh anointing and be effective witnesses for Christ in our generation, no matter how chaotic the world around us may become.
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