Waiting on the Spirit

“The LORD's spirit will rest on him--a spirit that gives extraordinary wisdom, a spirit that provides the ability to execute plans, a spirit that produces absolute loyalty to the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:2 NET)

As a child, I loved butterflies. I used to sit still in sunny gardens, hoping they would land on me. I learned that I had to be quiet and alone for a long time before this could happen.  If they landed on my hair and I moved to get a better look, they would fly away. As I grew older, I no longer had time for these idle pursuits. I had school, homework, activities, friends, and a long list of goals. 

The lessons that I learned while waiting for butterflies have become useful to me once again. I have discovered the importance of silence, solitude, patience, and uninterrupted time when waiting for the Spirit of God. Any distraction, physical or mental, disturbs the presence of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, sparkling diversions are my weakness. I frequently get drawn out of a meditative state by the slightest sound, rogue thoughts,  and notifications on my phone. The desires to be productive, to feel useful, and to get things done pull me away as well. I am trapped in the echo chamber that is this world. The noise shatters my reverie. 

Lord, please teach me to be still once again, so that Your Spirit may rest upon me.  I yearn to know You. Awaken my slumbering soul. Grant me wisdom, understanding, insight, strength, fortitude, and patience. 

Christlike

“The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.” (Isaiah 11:2 NIV)

The above prophecy from the book of Isaiah describes the coming Messiah. The Spirit of God gives wisdom, understanding, direction, knowledge, reverence, and strength. These traits are so valuable that it would make everyone want to be Christlike.

“He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT)

The prophecy that Christ would be a suffering servant is also found in the book of Isaiah. Jesus was despised and rejected, acquainted with the deepest grief. He suffered because of our weaknesses. He was punished for our transgressions. He was whipped so we could be healed.

Many of us who desire to follow Christ get weak in the knees at the thought of suffering. This is the point where we want to turn back, to find an easier road. Yet, the path to Christlikeness is paved with hardship, rejection, sorrow, and pain. Those who pass through it develop holiness, endurance, patience, humility, and empathy. They learn to lean on God. Suffering whittles away the superfluous until the Divine is revealed in us.