Enveloped in His Life
Heart to heart, hand in hand—walking with the One who gives us life and breath and being.
Today’s reflection draws from Acts 17:28: In Him we live and move and have our being. A.B. Simpson gently exposes a common spiritual shortfall—not in belief or effort, but in intimacy. He illustrates this with the story of Elisha and the lifeless boy. Elisha’s staff—representing delegated power—could not revive the child. It required personal, embodied union—Elisha’s life pressing against the child’s lifeless form, heart to heart, mouth to mouth.
Simpson uses this striking image to call us to the reality that it’s not enough to cling to doctrine or experiences or even past moments of spiritual awakening. The very life of Christ must be flowing within us, not just conceptually believed, but experientially received. He’s not a distant rescuer—He is the present, indwelling life.
Too often we settle for knowing about Christ without yielding to His moment-by-moment presence within us. We grasp for healing, for joy, for strength, without realizing that these are not separate gifts—they are expressions of the Giver’s own life in us. To abide in Christ is not merely a position to acknowledge but a Person to embrace and a Life to draw from continually.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I am your Life. You are in Me, and I am in you. It is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. Because you are joined to Me, your spirit is alive because of righteousness. You once lived according to the flesh, but now you live by My Spirit who dwells in you.
You do not need to reach upward—I am not far off. I have made My dwelling with you. I abide in you, and I invite you to abide in Me. Apart from Me you can do nothing, but in Me, all things are possible. Let your heart remain united with Mine, and you will bear much fruit.
When you are weak, it is My grace that is sufficient. When you lack clarity, it is My Spirit who guides you into all truth. You no longer need to chase after experiences or spiritual credentials—for in Me, you are complete. I am the resurrection and the life, and I live in you.
Stay near. Rest your soul in My presence. I will be to you a continual fountain of life, and you will never thirst again. Just as the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.
Scripture references: Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:10–11, John 14:23, John 15:4–5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, John 16:13, Colossians 2:10, John 11:25, John 4:14, John 15:9
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the wonder of Your indwelling life. You have not merely visited me or touched me from afar; You have made me Your dwelling place. I trust You to express Your life through me today—Your peace in every decision, Your love in every encounter, and Your wisdom in every word.
There is no separation, no striving, no reaching for what is already mine in You. Thank You for being the pulse within my spirit, the movement of my soul, and the breath in my lungs. I gladly walk heart to heart with You today, drawing all that I need from Your abundant life within.
Credits:
Devotional: Days of Heaven Upon Earth by A.B. Simpson
Photo: Unsplash