The Power of the Quiet Spirit

Today's Word of Wonder: Mastery

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"Better a patient person than a warrior, one who has self-control than one who takes a city."— Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

The Devotion: Strength Under Control

We’ve reached the end of the harvest! We’ve seen Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Faithfulness. But the Spirit saves these two for last: Gentleness and Self-Control. In the original language, "Gentleness" (prautes) was used to describe a powerful stallion that had been trained. The horse still has all its massive strength, but that strength is now directed and useful. It is "power under control."

Similarly, Self-Control is not about you trying harder to be "good." It is the Mastery of the Spirit over our impulses. When we are "Being" in Christ, our reactions are no longer dictated by our feelings or the rudeness of others. Instead, we have a "Holy Buffer."

The WOW Moment today is realizing that a gentle spirit is actually a fortified spirit. When you don't have to snap back, when you don't have to indulge every whim, and when you can stay calm in a crisis, you are showing the world that you are anchored in something deeper than your own ego. You are showing them the Vine.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Think of a "trigger" that usually makes you lose your peace or your temper.

• Action: The next time that trigger happens today, take one "Spirit Breath." Before you speak or act, say internally: "I am a branch in the Vine; His gentleness is my strength." * Reflection: Notice the difference between "suppressing" an emotion and "surrendering" it to the Holy Spirit.

• Prayer: "Lord, thank You for the strength of Gentleness. Help me to walk with self-control today, not by my might, but by Your Spirit. Let my life be a calm reflection of Your power. Amen."