The Freedom of Focused Dependence
Like a motion-activated light that shines when you're in its path, the Spirit leads and illuminates as we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above: Hidden to Reveal
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s devotional from Miles Stanford reminds us that walking in the Spirit is not about fixating on the Spirit Himself, but about remaining centered on Jesus. The role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son, not to draw attention to Himself. As we walk, worship, and pray in the Spirit, He reveals the Lord Jesus to us—our true source, center, and supply. Jesus made it clear that the Spirit would take what is His and make it known to us, anchoring our hearts in the relationship that brings life.
To walk in the Spirit means to walk in communion with the Father, in trustful dependence on the Spirit, and with undivided attention on the Son. Stephen, full of faith and the Spirit, serves as a striking example. His gaze was fixed upward, beholding the risen Christ. His earthly circumstances, though hostile, could not diminish the reality of the heavenly presence that sustained him.
The devotional gently corrects two common errors: self-focus and Spirit-focus. Neither will empower the believer. What does bring freedom is occupation with the Lord Jesus. When He becomes our all—when our life is sourced in Him moment by moment—we walk in the Spirit by default, not by effort.
Finally, the devotional emphasizes that walking in the Spirit is not a mystical loss of agency, but a deliberate, willing participation with the will of God. The believer who trusts the indwelling Spirit is not careless, nor is he bound by law. Instead, he is joyfully led by the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus, which sets him free from the flesh's demands.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You have been made alive in Me, and I have placed My Spirit within you. As you yield to Him, He magnifies Jesus in your heart. He does not speak on His own authority, but reveals the beauty and fullness of the Son. You are not called to walk in confusion or effort. You are invited to walk in union.
To walk in the Spirit is to abide in trust, to draw your needs from Jesus, and to make Him your only gaze. When your eyes are set on the risen Lord, the desires of the flesh lose their power. When your soul rests in My presence, the law of sin and death no longer governs your steps. You are under a new law—the law of life.
You do not lose yourself in this walk. You become who you truly are. As you walk with Me, you are free to will and to do what pleases the Father, because it is My delight flowing through you. Keep your attention on Jesus, just as Stephen did. Let the Word dwell in you richly, and I will illuminate your path with My peace.
Scripture References: Galatians 5:16, John 16:13–15, Acts 6:5, Acts 7:55, Romans 8:2, Galatians 5:18, Colossians 3:1–4, Philippians 2:13, John 15:4–5, 2 Corinthians 3:17–18
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a motion-activated light. It only illuminates when someone is present and moving in its view. You don't have to flip a switch or touch a button. You simply need to remain in the sensor's path. Step out of range, and the light fades. But stay within its view, and it shines continually.
So it is with walking in the Spirit. You don’t need to strive to make Him work. You simply stay in step, attentive and responsive to His leading. Today, when you feel pulled toward distraction, self-effort, or temptation, pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment. Keep me within the path where Your life is seen and known.” Whether you're navigating a difficult conversation or choosing your response to stress, remain in the Light.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that I don’t need to figure out how to walk in the Spirit by myself. You have already given me the Spirit of life, and He reveals Jesus to me moment by moment. I rest in the truth that as I gaze upon You, I walk in freedom.
I trust You now to guide my steps, to reveal the Son in every moment, and to lead me by the law of life. I am not under the law. I am not ruled by the flesh. I am Yours, and I walk with You today in confidence and peace.