“. . . I am gentle and humble . . .” (Matthew 11:29).
One of the first devotionals in J. I. Packer’s Knowing God Through the Year uses the above verse.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
My eyes stopped when I read, “gentle and humble.” I began to consider what I read.
Here is the Creator of all things — the God Almighty, the God who knows everything and is all wise, the One who is holy, the Ruler Supreme — telling us that He is gentle and humble, and that we will find rest for our souls if we come to Him.
You would think He would say, “Hey you, don’t you know how important I am? I don’t have time for you, I am too busy.” But He didn’t. He said, “Come to Me.” Wow!
The greatest leader, and He is gentle and humble. How many people do you know who invite you to come to them? How many leaders do you know, who, after they have become powerful, display gentleness and humility?
And then we must ask ourselves the question, “Am I gentle and humble?” Do people feel peaceful in my company?
A gentle spirit is something we cannot produce in ourselves. But the Holy Spirit produces “love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness” and much more. Why not ask the Holy Spirit to be in control of your life from now on and He will change your to be the person you want to be.
How to Pray in Faith to be Filled with the Holy Spirit
We are filled with the Holy Spirit by faith alone. However, true prayer is one way of expressing your faith. The following is a suggested prayer:
“Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.”
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.
FURTHER READING
The Lord is My Shepherd
Jesus is Always There!
How Big is God?
God is GOOD
The Lord Never Changes