Awake and Sober

 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.—1 Thessalonians 5:6 ESV

Today’s verse takes my mind back to Jesus’ talk/ teaching in Matthew 24 about the end time, and He gave a similar warning:

 “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42 (ESV)

Even though we are being warned to stay awake, the reference is not really on physical sleep. I think Jesus and Paul were referring to the state of our spiritual being. It is possible for the physical body to be wide awake while the spiritual one is fast asleep, and vice versa.

No matter the state of our physical body, it is vital that our spiritual being is energised and filled with the Holy Spirit. He is the only one who can constantly keep us awake and sober if we cooperate with Him.

Although we are filled with the Spirit of God, we need to consistently work with the Spirit to stay in that state of alertness. Here are some ways that we can do that:

• Gratitude – Being grateful in all things is a way to strengthen and awaken the inner being. The position of gratitude opens our minds to the things God is doing in our lives and around us. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
• Constant in prayer – Prayer shows how much we trust God, and God doesn’t only want to solve or answer our big problems or issues, He wants to solve the ones we call little too. The more we are able to connect with God in prayer, the more our inner being is energised. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
• Stay in the Word – The word of God is our spiritual food. In the same way physical food strengthens the body, likewise, the word of God does the same to our spiritual being. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
• Stay connected with the Church community – We were never created to operate as an island; instead, God made us to flourish through interactions and connections. We need to be in a place where we can give and get support from each other. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

These are just some ways of staying awake and sober. There’s so much happening nowadays that can shift our focus from God; however, let’s not waver, but let’s keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Stay blessed,

LaraLex