Keep In Step with the Spirit

by Candyce Carden

My day started badly. On an errand run, I realized I’d left behind an item needed to complete a crucial task. At the post office. my car wouldn’t start because I left my key fob on the counter after I laid it down to sign for a package. I had to retrace my steps to retrieve it.

Then the gut-kicker: a traffic jam prevented me from getting to the stretching class where I was meeting two friends! Feeling frustrated and defeated, I gave up and went home.

But the sunny day in early March soon lightened my dark mood, and I headed to a nearby tree-lined nature trail to walk.

I had the trail to myself and jammed in ear pods to listen to a book. But before it started playing, an urgent rustling sound captured my attention. Looking about, I realized the song came from a breeze stirring newly-sprouted leaves on the trees surrounding me.

I stashed the pods in my pocket. Who needs a book when nature’s love song plays? Delight swept through me as the wind played percussion with the leaves. The harmonious tune nourished my spirit.

Because the Bible often associates the wind with the Holy Spirit to symbolize God’s breath, power, and sovereignty, I didn’t want to miss a note.

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4 ESV)

I continued along the trail, devoting full attention to my surroundings. The walking path meanders around an expansive lake. A few breaks in the lush foliage allowed glimpses of the lake, the still water winking at me as sunrays bounced off its surface—a breathtaking sight.  

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:2-3 ESV)

Keeping in Step with the Spirit

I soon encountered other walkers on the path.

I heard their chatter before I spotted them—three ladies headed in the opposite direction. Outfitted with walking sticks and colorful attire, including protective hats, they could have stepped from the pages of a novel featuring three lively friends.

The trio was happily engrossed in conversation as they navigated the trail. To hear each other, they walked close together, forming a neat little triangle, two in the front and one slightly behind in the middle. They kept in perfect step with each other, missing neither a word nor stride.

The next walkers I met contrasted sharply with the female trio. I assume they were a husband-and-wife team who could have been grandparents. He blazed the trail, walking 12-15 feet ahead of the her. The misery on his face spoke of his intent to hurry and finish. She seemed content to lag behind, traveling at a slower pace, enjoying the journey. The couple most definitely were not in step.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25 NIV)

At first, I found humor in the differences between the two groups. Next I noticed how each mirrored my walk with the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I’m in step, fully prepared with walking stick and hat to ward off worldly influences, equipped to live life as I’m called.

Other times, I drag my feet, reluctant to do something that requires me to step up and be bold, to sacrifice comfort.

Three Ways to Keep in Step with the Spirit

• Yield to the Spirit

God works in us, providing the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). Fortunately, we aren’t required to rely on our own strength. We would surely fail if that were the case. When the Spirit prompts us to do something that mimics God’s character, let’s yield, or obey. Let’s also heed the Spirit’s conviction of our sins.

• Know God

We can’t keep in step with the Spirit if we don’t know God. We have to be familiar with His character, promises, and attributes. To know God is to seek Him through Scripture, which teaches us what we should know. The Spirit doesn’t teach us additional information, but reminds us of what’d in the Bible. Getting on a first name basis with God renews our mind and transforms thinking (Ephesians 4:23-24).

• Love Others as God Loves Us

A direct correlation exists between keeping in step with the Spirt and serving others. We are called to serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13). We must treat others in a way that pleases God, and that starts by prioritizing love

Anything else you’d add to this list? Where do you find restoration for your soul?

Thanks for reading! I love hearing from you via email or right here in the comments section.

Immersed in His Love,

Candyce

Delight swept through me as the wind played percussion with the leaves. The harmonious tune nourished my spirit. #devotion #HolySpirit Share on X

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