“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10).
The highest spiritual condition is one in which life flows spontaneously and naturally, like the deep waters of Ezekiel’s river, where the swimmer no longer struggles but is powerfully carried along by the current. This is the state in which the soul does not have to force itself to do good—it moves in the rhythm of divine life, guided by impulses that come from God Himself.
But this spiritual freedom does not arise from a passing feeling. It is built through effort, discipline, and faithfulness. Deep spiritual habits begin, like any true habit, with a clear act of the will. We must choose to obey—even when it is difficult—and repeat that choice until obedience becomes a natural part of who we are.
The soul that desires to live this way must stand firm in God’s powerful Law and practice His beautiful commandments. Through this repeated faithfulness, obedience ceases to be a constant effort and becomes a spontaneous movement of the soul. And when this happens, the person is led by the Spirit of the Lord Himself, living in communion with heaven. —Adapted from A. B. Simpson. Until tomorrow, if the Lord permits.
Pray with me: Lord my God, I thank You for desiring my spiritual life to be steadfast, free, and filled with Your presence. You do not call me to a life of empty striving, but to a walk in which obedience becomes a joy.
Help me choose what is right, even when it is difficult. Give me the discipline to keep doing what is good until it becomes part of who I am. I want to develop within me the holy habits that please You, and I want to stand firmer each day in Your Law and Your commandments, for I know that true life is found in them.
O most holy God, I adore and praise You because You Yourself strengthen me to obey. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your powerful Law is the path on which my soul learns to walk without fear. Your beautiful commandments are like currents in a heavenly river, carrying me ever closer to You. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.