Unquenched

Welcome up to our humble ol’ front porch. Folks keep tellin’ me it’s a mighty fine spot, but I say it ain’t no home around here till you’ve done cooked somethin’ real good to eat in it and yelled at somebody to make sure to shut the door. Now, friend, come right on up here and pull up one of them ol’ rockers over there and let’s settle in like we’re about to be watchin’ a lightnin’ bug talent show over that ol’ pond where it looks like that big ol’ bullfrog right over there beside the Lilypad has it claimed as his own personal empire.

Today we’re talkin’ about a mighty important truth from 1 Thessalonians 5:19. “Do not quench the Spirit.” That verse is sturdier than a mountain boulder that has stared down at several centuries of winters without movin’ even an inch. And to help us see the fullness of this theme, let’s tuck in Psalm 51:12, which says, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Friend, that’s a prayer that’ll steady your soul faster than a big barn cat can leap off a fence post.

Now let’s git to swattin’ a few of them irritatin’ mosquitoes off this porch and talk real plain here. The word “quench” means to extinguish or suppress. It’s sho’-nuff’ what you do when a campfire gits way too rowdy and you toss water on it. Some folks get mighty nervous when the Holy Spirit starts movin’ in the body of Christ. They git to actin’ like a lil’ ol’ squirrel that wandered into a church potluck and can’t decide if it should stay around or run off. They say, “No, no, let’s calm this thing down.” And just like that, they toss a spiritual bucket of water on the Spirit’s work.

It’s plum possible to stifle the Spirit by fear, hesitation, or plain ol’ stubbornness. Maybe you don’t want to respond. Maybe you don’t like being uncomfortable. Maybe you don’t want to do what He’s nudgin’ you to do. Whatever the reason, it’s like throwin’ a wet blanket over a fire that was meant to warm your soul. Romans 12:1-2 reminds us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and let God renew our minds. When you surrender, the Spirit moves freely. When you resist, you miss out on something wonderful God wants to do.

Friend, the Spirit ain’t ever out to be embarrassin’ you. He’s out to be blessin’ you. He leads, guides, comforts, convicts, and strengthens. He’s mighty gentle, steady, and good. Psalm 51:12 says, “His presence restores joy.” So, don’t be quenchin’ Him. Let Him breathe life into places you thought were done for. Let Him lead you like a shepherd leads a lil’ ol’ sheep that keeps wanderin’ toward the fence.

Father, help me welcome Your Spirit instead of resist Him. Teach me to surrender my will, open my heart, and follow Your lead. Restore my joy and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Well, bless my boots, friend, until we git to be seein’ you again, you gotta be lettin’ your fears be a whole lot smaller than a lil’ ol’ June bug and your trust in God be gittin’ stronger and stronger so that it can be holdin’ steady when life’s fierce storms come blowin’ your way. When hesitation tries to be creepin’ in like a lil’ ol’ raccoon that keeps tryin’ to sleep on your back porch, you’ve gotta be rememberin’ that the Spirit is real gentle, faithful, and always workin’ for your good and for God’s glory. Keep on leanin’ in, listenin’ close, and lettin’ Him move freely in your life.

With joy,

Gwen