A Prayer to Stay in Step with God’s Spirit
By Annie Yorty
Bible Reading:
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25
Read or Listen Below:
For the past six years, I had a constant companion in life. And when I say “constant,” I mean one who ran to my side every time I moved from room to room in my house. No space was private, not even the bathroom. Can you guess the identity of my companion?
Misha, my “furry beast labradoodle,” came to us as a five-pound ball of silky black curls. In the early stages of his training, I tethered him to my waist with a leash whenever he was out of his crate. He trotted by my side everywhere I went. When he was trained and could be trusted, I removed the tether so he could roam free.
When I cut the cord, a funny thing happened. Misha stayed by my side. When I sat on the couch, he curled up with his head on my leg. I worked at my desk, and he lay at my feet. If I moved to the kitchen, my shadow trailed behind. When I went into the bathroom and shut the sliding door, resting outside until I emerged wasn’t good enough. Every time, his pointy snout shoved aside the barrier so he could be at my side.
When it comes to our relationship with God, shouldn’t we follow Misha’s example?
Apostle Paul wrote, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16 ESV). When Misha and I went for a walk, he poodle-pranced by my side, face upturned to mine. The world around him teased his eyes, tickled his nose, and enticed his instincts. Grilled meat wafted on the breeze. Squirrels darted and chattered. Dogs barked and lunged. By my side, Misha didn’t notice.
Likewise, when we stay in step with the Spirit of God who lives within us, we will not be lured by our flesh—the part of our nature that wants instant gratification and physical stimulation.
Walking with God takes intentional, day-by-day commitment. Upon waking, we acknowledge He is our Master, and we want to obey Him. Like Misha depended on me for food, we seek God’s provision for our needs. When we sense His direction, we follow His lead. Like Misha nosed past barriers to stick close to me, we confess and thrust aside sin and self-centeredness that keeps us apart from God. And like Misha slept without a care in the world on my lap, so we can rest in God.
Misha rarely got into trouble because he mostly stayed by my side. I could keep an eye on him and thwart undue interest in my throw pillows or the blanket on the couch. I picked up any socks he might be tempted to eat. I sent him to his safe mat if he got rambunctious with a visitor. But every now and then he wandered. Without my guidance, he succumbed to temptation.
When we stay close to God, He helps us resist temptation too. “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV). But when we wander, His voice sounds distant, or unintelligible. Distracted by the world, we start listening to our own wisdom.
A few days ago, Misha breathed his last. I wish for more time with him, but I thank God for the gift of love and devotion from a faithful friend. Still, I miss my big, furry boy prancing by my side every minute of the day.
When we move away from God’s Spirit, He mourns too. Paul pleads, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30 ESV). God loves us and enjoys when we’re near Him.
Friends, whenever I patted my thigh, Misha leapt to his position at my left flank. God’s Spirit calls you to His side. Hear His voice and keep in step with the Spirit every day.
Let's Pray:
Dear Father God,
Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to live within us. And thank You also for tangible reminders like Misha that You call us to walk by Your side every day. In step with You, we receive Your provision and protection. We have fellowship and love that satisfy every longing. We praise You for faithfully guiding us through this life and into eternity with You. Amen.
Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty
Photo Credit: Getty/Smileus
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