A Nugget from New Life Network
(by Chris Musgrove of Future Now)
Scripture for the Day (May 24, 2017)
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-20)
The verses in our Scripture for the Day contrast believers and unbelievers, with an emphasis on the difference between wise and foolish living. Wise living is the result of being filled with the Spirit. In fact, verses 17-18 say, “Don’t be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And don’t be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit.”
In Ephesians 5:18 in the original Greek, “be filled” means “keep on being filled constantly and continually.” Verse 18 in the Amplified Bible says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.” The tense of the Greek for “be filled” makes clear that such a Spirit-filled condition does not stop with a single experience, but is maintained by continually being filled, as commanded here.
Notice in verse 19 that the speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God is a way to stay continually filled with the Spirit. Psalms are scriptural lyrics in song; hymns are humanly inspired lyrics in song; and spiritual songs are impromptu rhythmic lyrics given by the Holy Spirit in one’s language or in “tongues” according to 1 Corinthians 14:15.What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (1 Corinthians 14:15)
Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit and joy is an overflow of the Spirit, a bubbling over if you will. Joy is expressed in singing and praise. It’s that joy that strengthens you. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” I have never seen a person that was giving joyful praise to God that didn’t seem to be overflowing with the Spirit.
Stay in an attitude of worship and gratefulness to God and you’ll ever be being filled with the Spirit.
