By Canaan Chapman
I thought I had an appreciation for the beauty of creation until I moved to Arkansas, “the Natural State.” There’s something special about the environment God put here. During my first fall season, I distinctly remember the feeling of harmony and peace that was present outside.
Have you ever taken a walk on a beautiful summer day, for instance, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and a gentle breeze in your hair? Have you enjoyed the scenery around you, forgetting everything else for a moment, caught up with the rhythm of nature? It’s a powerful thing that goes beyond mimicry. It’s not just about doing the same thing; it’s a deeper connection.
As believers in Christ, we are called to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). This means walking in harmony with the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us and guides us. The Spirit is not a force or a feeling but a person who desires to be in relationship with us. He wants to lead us in how Jesus walked—in love and obedience to the Father. We walk as He walked, keeping us in step.
When we choose to follow Jesus, we choose to live a resurrected life in Him. We are no longer bound by sin and death but have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:5). This means that we have the power to overcome the temptations of this world and live in a way that pleases God. To keep in step with the Spirit, though, takes more than just knowing these things.
The Spirit within us gives us the strength to actively walk in righteousness. When we hear the Spirit’s voice, we must choose to act on it. This means doing what He leads us to do, even if it is difficult or uncomfortable. It also means saying “no” to the things He tells us not to do, even if they are tempting or popular.
Something I find helpful is remembering that the Holy Spirit is naturally dynamic, not static and rigid. He is not some distant or impersonal force but someone real who is always with us. We can talk, listen, and follow His leading. This helps me lean into the promptings He gives me, and when I struggle, I know the Spirit’s propping me up (Romans 8:26–27). In a way, we establish a rhythm and are moving together.
I am grateful that with the resurrection life comes the blessing of the Spirit. We get to know and walk with Him—what a beautiful truth! Without Him, I stumble. We are our truest selves when we are walking in step with the Spirit. It is there we find the peace God promised.
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