August 14

The War Within

The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit. . . . They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want (Galatians 5:17).

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Song: “Love Lifted Me”

Every driver we pass on the way to work this morning has a DUI. Driving Under the Influence of something. We are all driven by our desires, ideas, and the influences around us. Look even deeper and we may discover regrets, lies, broken promises, deserted commitments, and generally a not-so-perfect life.

In some cases, we may have rationalized for years, telling ourselves that a certain thing really is OK to do. Yet deep in the recesses of our souls, we knew it gave us no peace. We have been living life in the fast lane . . . slowly grinding ourselves down with guilt.

Those words pretty much describe most of us at various times in our lives. Yet God knows the mistakes, the dirt, the destruction, and the messes we have made. He knows the conflicts and battles we have with flesh and spirit, and He invites us to shift our desires from the world to His Word.

He patiently waits for us to realize our need for Him and to shift from the fast lane to the faith lane. When we have “crashed and burned,” He picks us up and dusts us off. He carries us when we cannot walk and holds our hand when we are afraid. He reminds us of this: hope is never-ending if we put our hope in Him.

Lord, I need help prioritizing between the things of this world and the truth in Your Word. Help me avoid the trap of self-righteousness and resentment. In Christ, amen.