SPIRIT

noun: the activating or essential principle influencing a person; disposition

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

“We’ve got spirit, yes we do. We’ve got spirit, how ‘bout you?”

Yes, we do.

God places inside every one of us a unique spirit, an essence all our own. I imagine him smiling in adoration as he designs each distinct combination of character, personality, temperament, and energy.

But these beautiful spirits that make us who we are sometimes get weighed down by fear. Like our bodies and our minds, they are vulnerable to the dangers and discouragements of this life.

I think of these spirits inside of us like kites.

Kites?

How long has it been since any of us have flown a kite? Maybe forever?

I remember running barefoot on the sand as a young child, holding tightly to a plastic handle with both hands, struggling and cheering as the wind lifted my bright red, diamond-shaped, twisty-tailed kite way up above me.

I also remember gazing at all the other kites flying up there–dragon kites, butterfly kites, box kites, spinning kites, kites of every size and shape and color. The sky was dancing.

But a kite can only get up–and stay up–in the air if there is a consistent, strong wind blowing. All those beautiful, interesting kites will just bump helplessly along on days when there is no wind to hold them up.  

When our spirits are grounded like these kites on a windless day, we feel awfully helpless. When life overwhelms or disappoints us, we get scared, defeated, reactive, and way too focused on ourselves.

Our vibrant colors become dull and diminished. Our strength is gone and our joy is stuck.

We often forget that we have God’s Spirit inside of us, too. We neglect to lean into this mighty wind of God’s Spirit to lift us up and help us fly.

But when we remember and ask him, he rushes in:

His Spirit of power– an abundance of strength, the miraculous ability to be a part of his purpose and bravely face whatever comes.

His Spirit of love–the absolute assurance of his affection and devotion no matter what. The abundance of forgiveness and compassion that we can not only receive from him, but generously share with everyone around us.

His Spirit of a sound mind–a reasonable, disciplined, healthy, and balanced way of thinking and responding based solidly on his truth. Safe, calm, and self-controlled.

This is what Paul wanted Timothy to remember.

This is what Jesus wants us to know.

God does not give us a spirit of fear.

He gives us this:

“God’s spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children.” Romans 8:16 MSG

He brings out the true colors and shapes of us, he puts the dancing and flying back into our hearts. No matter what we are facing, let’s trust the One who loves us most to touch our spirits with his.  

INVITE HIM IN

God is our adoring Father. The One who made us. Our relationship with him is safe and strong and wonderful forever. He knows every single thing that is going on in our lives, and he is always in control. Let’s lean into him and enjoy the ride as a big gust of his Spirit lifts us above our fear and helps us soar.