Daily Devotional Day 51

David did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The time of redemption had not come. Jesus would provide that. However, he did know the power of the soul and was uniquely able to rein in its strength, at least most of the time. He said in Psalm 42, "Why art thou cast down? Oh my soul hope in God".

He had gone through the process of learning how to know the difference between his soul and spirit. God was preparing him to be His representative. While being in the wilderness chased by Saul and alone, he learned how to separate his soul and spirit. He learned how to manage his mind and emotions through communication with God. His psalms are examples of how he leaned on and trusted in God's character to interpret his circumstances. His soul had, through tribulation, been reduced to the point of being incapable to dominate his spirit.

Oh, the abiding life! At times this life must include trials that reduce our soul in order for our spirits to soar back to the ascended position. We must decrease in our soul, so that the Holy Spirit can increase, can influence, strengthen and empower our spirits.

At times it takes a trial, trouble or temptation to tame our soul. The word of God can also divide the soul and spirit. Read Psalms 39 through 42. David is troubled and yet he leans on, waits for and praises the Lord. He is managing his emotional life.

Meditate on how David used his spirit to quiet his soul. Meditate and thank God that we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to empower our spirit to do the same!