Last week Louisiana was hit with a major storm. I woke up at 5 am to a very persistent alarm on my security system warning me of a possible tornado.
There were a few minutes when I chose to take cover on the bathroom floor. My pets, Skeeter and Rosie, joined me and thankfully offered no snide remarks about my need to sweet and mop. The storm howled for over an hour and I wondered off and on … “maybe this the tornado…”
After the storm, I was inspired to write what may be considered a poem. I’m sharing it with you here today because it illustrates a spiritual concept I’ve been learning over the last nine months. The idea is … my renewed spirit (the part of me that was born again) is alive and well. My spirit is one with Christ and shares His triumphant nature. My soul (mind, will, and emotions) should act as a servant to my renewed spirit. My flesh (my carnal nature) is to function as a slave in submission to my renewed spirit.
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Each of us is a whole person with these three parts. With God’s help, we will allow our spirit to rule and train our soul and our flesh to take their appointed place of service. Sanctification is a process involving each part of our being.
The storms of life usher in new opportunities for sanctification. Whether your storm is literal or figurative, I pray your spirit intertwined with God’s will lay ahold to the peace, courage, and fresh strength God secured for us in Jesus.
Heaven opened.
The earth is soaked.
At first, it seemed such a threat!
The noise, wind, and rain came in violent torrents.
Is there real danger here for me?
You are here.
Immanuel. God is with me.
I sit listening to the weather.
Brave, yet wondering if I am truly safe.
Is it wise to be brave right now?
Or is this a time for hiding in enclosed places?
I put on my priest’s robe to sprinkle the Blood.
My spirit sits up straighter.
I have a safe place.
I belong to the very present, Most High God.
The God who answered Elijah’s words with fire lives here with me.
I am not alone.
The arms that wrap around this created world are raised over me with triumphant fists.
So I worship.
In a few seconds with just a few words, I magnify His power and protection.
The fumes of fear that were seeping in under the door are blown back.
My soul settles.
My spirit has ruled, and my soul knows its place.
It’s time to serve.
Mind, will, & emotions … ready for service!
All three lean in with our Yes to the words of Truth.
We recognize the Spirit’s Words of strength.
God is here.
Power is here.
Peace is here
Let the winds blow.
Let the storm finish its work.
The Holy Spirit and my spirit have set the tone.
My soul raised its glass to celebrate peace.
Now my flesh will exhale its captured breath.
My body will release its grip.
The “what ifs” fall to the ground of this day.
With a little nudge, maybe two, my body inhales and my soul smells hope.
It’s a welcomed aroma.
The body slows its pace so the lungs can take it in again and again.
I savor hope.
While my ears hear the storm and my mind anticipates mud and messes, my spirit chooses to soar.
This soaking is blessing.
This storm had purpose.
If only to invite me to a brave posture of faith, this early morning storm is now my friend.
With rain boots and hooded jacket, I walk into the water and debris …
Braver
Bolder
Safer
Smiling
God is here.
God has given.
And I have received.