We may think this is an extreme story or an isolated case. But we see many today given to covetousness in search of joy. The economist will say human needs are insatiable - and cannot be satisfied. That's how humans are made, and we shall continue to live that way until we start living from the secret place of the most high.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

 

As committed as we are to the things of God, we can still find ourselves in this loop of covetousness, which is a strong desire for earthly things to satisfy and bring the joy and peace we most desire. The Kingdom of God does not operate by covetousness but by living by the help of the Holy Spirit. John 6:63 says it is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 7:37-39 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

 

You would want to develop a skill that makes you convivial with the Holy Spirit, thereby building capacity for emanating the rivers of living water, joy flowing through you to the world around you.

 

If there is anything I have learnt through extensive prayer in the Holy Spirit, it is the ability to build capacity to overcome challenges and discover new dimensions in God.  

 

Talking about joy and overwhelming frustrations in our lives. Joy overwhelms frustrations and confusion in those dedicated moments with the Holy Spirit. Psalms 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

 

And talking about discovering new dimensions in God, we can't ignore that the Holy Spirit helps us navigate the complexities of life. 

 

John 16:13-15 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

 

PRAYERS