The Naturalization of the Spirit %

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3 KJV)

What would your outward life look like if your spirit could fully express itself in your mind and body? Here’s an example: none of us would be depressed, stressed, or sick because our spirit is full of peace, joy, and healing! What, then, is hindering this expression?

The manifestation of the spirit in the natural (physical) world is what I call the naturalization of the spirit in this devotional. It should be immediately apparent why this is such a crucial topic for you and me.

God uniquely created human beings to exist and function in both the spiritual and physical (or “natural”) realms. The human heart, like a gate, serves as the mysterious connection between these two dimensions.

The natural world is where we consciously dwell—it includes our emotions, thoughts, will, physical body, and the world around us. In contrast, the spiritual realm is the domain of God, angels, and demons. The state of our hearts determines what can pass between these realms.

God desires to dwell and function in the natural realm. While He already resides in the spirit—the spiritual realm—of every believer, He longs for His presence and power to fill our soul, body, and surroundings. However, there is a gate He must open to cross from the spirit into the natural.

He is within us as wells of living water, and He calls us to draw from the deep well of His presence and power (Isaiah 12:3). The naturalization of the spirit happens when rivers of living water flow from our spirit into the natural world. Until that river is released to touch people’s emotions, minds, and bodies, it remains of little practical benefit.

The key to this transformation is the heart. The state of our heart—our conscious inner life—determines what can come through that gate. Here are some crucial heart conditions that affect this process:

Surrender – A hardened, disobedient heart is like a massive rock blocking the gate (Proverbs 23:26).
Spiritual Understanding – The eye of understanding must be opened (Ephesians 1:18).
Faith – Believing and accepting God’s truth is essential (Matthew 9:29).
Declaration – Speaking words from a believing heart gives natural reality to spiritual things (2 Corinthians 4:13).
Heart Posture – States such as joy and peace play a vital role (Nehemiah 8:10). Notice how joy in Isaiah 12:3 is like a rope that draws water from the deep wells within our spirits.
Actions – Our outward actions reflect the state of our hearts (Matthew 12:34).

Our lives reflect what we allow—or block—from our spirit. Think about this: we can have God in all His power and glory within our spirit, yet He may remain locked inside while the enemy harasses our bodies and minds. It is like having God in your home but shutting Him in a room while intruders destroy everything else.

So here is the major question: How much of God in your spirit is being allowed into your natural world? He yearns to be expressed. That is why He says to you today:

“My son, give me thine heart.” (Proverbs 23:26, KJV)

Your heart is the gate to everything in your life.

Meditate

Can you explain the concept of the naturalization of the spirit as described above?

Apply the Word

Christianity is the Holy Spirit living in and through a person. If He cannot express Himself through us, then our faith remains incomplete. Remove any obstacles He reveals to you so that His presence can flow freely into your life.