Listen

All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:14-15

Think

Messy. Loving. Formative. Hurtful. Open. Supportive. These are just a few words to describe families. Some families allow us to be who we really are. Some families wound us with damaging words and actions. All families are complicated.

One beautiful gift of the Spirit is the reminder that we are part of a bigger family — God’s family. When we wonder if we belong or if anyone is there for us, the Spirit’s simple answer is “yes.” Fear works hard to make us feel isolated. The Spirit breaks into our fear by reminding us we are God’s children. Courage comes not from a temporary ability to be brave but from knowing who we are and trusting who God is.

When was the last time you felt alone or wondered if there was a place where you truly belonged? How did you respond? Next time fear creeps or crashes in, try this simple practice. Breathe in and say “I belong.” Breathe out and say, “to God.” Trust the Spirit is reminding you that you are God’s child.

Jennie Barber

Pray

Embracing Spirit, when fear grips my heart and mind, when I believe I’m alone, speak to me like a gentle whisper or a powerful wind, and remind me who I am. Amen.

Go

Walk in the wild, beautiful, holy life of the Spirit!

And trust…

The creative Spirit that hovered over the waters molds you.

The promised Spirit that Jesus breathed on his disciples fills you.

The powerful Spirit that poured out on the early church calls you.