The Spirit of God is on Me

"The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of our God's vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord, to glorify Him." Isaiah 61:1-3

As I am reading these verses tonight there is a common theme that is jumping out to me. The Spirit of God comes on us not for our own benefit. The anointing is not for us to keep to ourselves. Knowledge and wisdom are not simply to better our own lives. These things all occur so we can bring, heal, proclaim, comfort, provide, and give! So often we ask for more of God's presence in order to benefit ourselves. We cry we want more of God in our lives, but what is our motivation for making such a request? Are we asking because we have had a rough day or because our financial situation is bleak? Or are we asking for more in order to be able to impact others?

There are many things we can do in this world on our own. We can have earthly wisdom to manage our finances. We can even make ourselves busy with doing "good" things for others. However, in our own strength and power we will not be able to sustain longevity in these things. Speaking from personal experience, spending time with the truly poor, the brokenhearted, and the captives is very draining work. There is a reason why laboring for Christ is often referred to as being "used" by God. You will definitely feel you have been used! This is why it is absolutely necessary to have His Spirit and His anointing. Without it we can become easily tempted to quit.

I believe when we start fulfilling this list, bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, etc. we will begin to see more of God's Spirit poured out on us. We are told whomever is wise with the talents given will be given even more (Matt 25). Might the same apply to whomever is faithful and wise to use the measure of God's Spirit given to each of us? If we use it to impact others, then might God pour out even more of His Spirit to us? Notice what happens to those who were once brokenhearted and mourning. They become the ones called righteous in order to glorify Him! There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a life once in captivity becoming set free as the seeds planted grow into saplings and eventually strong, righteous trees! 

How are you using the Spirit of God to operate in your life today? Are you seeking more of Him in order to be filled to pour out more to others? I find the more I reach out in His name to those He treasures, the hungrier I become for more of Him. The anointing of God was never intended to be stored away, but to be poured out frequently and liberally. I pray each of you seek His guidance to where He would have you serve others in the days to come. As you minister to others I pray you feel a greater outpouring of His spirit and anointing!