Be Spirit-Filled And Spirit-Led

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Be Spirit-Filled And Spirit-Led

by Rebekah Hargraves

We are officially entering into the holiday season. For many of us, this is an enjoyable season. For others, it’s a season fraught with sadness as a result of loss, past years of hurt, or family drama. But for pretty much all of us, this can be a season of exceedingly long to-do lists and being overwhelmed.

How are we to combat this excessive stress and put an end to it? Can we even do that? Is that a realistic option for us? Yes, I believe it is. But there is only one sure-fire way to make it happen, and that is this: by listening to the Lord rather than man. We can be led astray by humans but never by God. And that is what I want you to be reminded of this holiday season.

How to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led this holiday season: Pray.

Rather than scouring Pinterest for the best and most festive Christmas ideas, seeking the advice of Google’s greatest “experts” on how to have a restful, peaceful season, or attempting to meet all the expectations placed upon you by others, there is one answer to the restlessness faced by many of us this season: walk by the Spirit by communing with the Lord in prayer and listening for His answer.

Believe it or not, the truth is that our loving, compassionate Father God is intimately involved in our daily lives, even down to the most minute of details. And He wants to be your aid and your help today and every day. As you are approaching the busiest time of the year, get your holiday season off to a great start by seeking the Lord’s wisdom and direction for the days ahead.

Search the Word.

Secondly, get in the Word. Reading the Word and being in prayer are the only sure-fire ways you can go about assessing your true priorities and responsibilities this season.

Not only that, but if you want a dose of that Christmas spirit to be delivered to your heart rather than the old “Bah humbug!” brought about by stress, remind yourself of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. Read of the plight of the Israelites as they groan for a Deliverer. Discover the symbolic pictures of Christ found in the Old Testament books. Then turn to the New Testament and read Luke’s version of the Christmas story. Discover the hope, joy, peace, and love brought about by the long-awaited fulfillment of those prophecies from long ago.

And remember to pray.

Just in case I haven’t harped enough on the importance of prayer in all this, I want to share one of my favorite Bible verses with you, James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” As we are approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas and trying to decide what we will and will not do this year, remember this: The Lord has already promised that He undoubtedly will provide you with the wisdom and direction you need when you ask for it. So just ask, friend! He’s ready and willing to hear from you!

About The Author

Rebekah Hargraves is a wife, mama of two littles, blogger, podcaster, and author whose passion is to edify, equip, and encourage women in their journey of Biblical womanhood, particularly with an emphasis on the gospel and its implications for everyday life. You can find Rebekah on her website, Hargraves Home and Hearth, on Instagram, or on iTunes via The Home and Hearth podcast.

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