Do not get drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)
As a paramedic years ago, I attended a call where a man’s arm had snapped. With two bones visibly sticking out, I remember him calmly saying, I think I need help. At first, I was shocked that he was so calm, but then I realized that he was inebriated. The alcohol had numbed his pain completely.
Overindulgence may seem to mask pain, but we all know that it can have nasty consequences and often leads to an increase in pain long-term. Today’s verse gives a much better solution: instead of filling up with numbing substances, be filled with the presence of God. In His presence there is healing, joy, grace and power to meet every need!
God’s presence on the inside empowers us to find healthy ways to cope when things aren’t going right and brings joy into our lives even when it’s a daily struggle. It’s so much better than a temporary numbing solution (that just leads to more pain); God’s presence has the ability to completely heal pain and even broken hearts. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means we have divine inner help and we no longer face our mountains or battles alone. But we have to choose to let Him in.
Stay in His presence by finding a life-giving church and hearing God’s Word taught. Continue to study and meditate on the Bible. It helps cause faith to rise up in your heart, which in turn causes His joy and your awareness of His full presence to grow in your life.
There is something incomparable about God’s Word and His presence. Always stay full of His Word and tuned into Him and you’ll discover that nothing else compares!