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The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 WEB.

While at the beach one day, I watched some kids playing with a beach ball. They would hit the ball, and it would soar high into the air but then gradually drift back down to Earth.

Without some form of lift, the ball always falls to the ground. Yet, if you fill a ball or balloon with helium, then it will begin to float on its own. The ball will rise because of what it contains inside. Its natural state will be modified, and floating will become the new normal.

My walk with God has often been a lot like that beach ball. I can fast, pray, worship, study, and try to walk closely with the Lord, but the moment I let up, the world pulls me right back down to it. Up and then down, I am working hard to breathe my own air into that ball. It can become exhausting.

We are supposed to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) like the Apostles were (Acts 13:52). Because when you are filled with the Spirit, you will soar like a balloon filled with helium. You won't have to exhaust yourself just trying to stay afloat. Of course, it also involves prayer and such. Yet, instead of trying to earn something, we are building ourselves up in the Spirit (Jude 20).

It's a relationship with the Lord. Yet, maintaining a steadfast life-giving relationship with Him is often more difficult than it needs to be. For we tend to create a list of things we should do to measure up. In the meantime, God says, "I never told you to do all those things. Just be filled with My Spirit, and you will do the important things naturally." When you are filled with His Spirit, you will please Him, for the Spirit will guide you.

You can huff and puff and try to do it all yourself, or you can take His advice: Be filled with His Spirit and joy like the Apostles. Let go of the to-do list and instead seek to be filled with the very presence of God. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit! You will find that the things that have been holding you back will suddenly flee. The impossible will become complete, and the closed door will open.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit just as You did the Apostles. I want to live for You today. I choose to let You help me from this day forth. Come into my heart and guide me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” James 5:13 ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.