GO FOR THE SUBSTANCE

08/13/2024

"I have found My servant David; with My holy oil I have anointed him." (Psalm 89:20)

I once heard someone say they needed more anointing. I responded, “What have you done with the anointing He already gave you?” Many of the things we pray for have already been provided. When we were saved, everything necessary for a miraculous and abundant life in Christ was placed within our spirit. The anointing and faith, for example, are not things we need to ask for more of; they are virtues God has already embedded within us. Rather than praying for more faith or anointing, God expects us to walk in and grow in what He’s already given us. The key to this growth is fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Relying solely on prayer without studying and practicing the Word misses the point. What we truly need is to cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit through the Word, instead of engaging in endless prayer rituals.

David is a prime example of someone who walked in a greater measure of anointing. His secret was that he desired God Himself, not just His benefits. God described David as a man after His own heart. David’s relationship with God was passionate and personal, not just religious. In Psalm 34:1, David declares, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Whether things were going well or falling apart, David’s praise remained constant and fervent. In 2 Samuel 6:14, it says, “David danced before the Lord with all his might.” Despite being despised by Michal, Saul’s daughter, David’s passion for worship didn’t waver. In response to her criticism, David said, “I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight” (2 Samuel 6:21-22). In other words, David was ready to be even more passionate in his worship. No wonder God testified of David, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22).

David's close walk with God led Him to declare, "I have found My servant David; with My holy oil, I have anointed him" (Psalm 89:20). The anointing was the fruit of a deep relationship, not the result of David pleading for more. Scripture says God found David, meaning He was searching. Today, God is still looking for those who will worship Him with their whole hearts, not just with lip service. As you fast and pray, let your focus be on deepening your fellowship with your Heavenly Father. When you have His heart, you’ll also have His anointing and be able to operate in His power more effectively. Spend time fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. Learn to sing in the Spirit. Immerse yourself in the Word, engage with the eternal truths of God, and don’t neglect to worship Him in song and dance.

I pray that your hunger for God grows more intense than ever before. I pray you reach a place where His words and presence mean more to you than your daily bread. Remember, the shadow exists only because of the substance, so focus on the substance today.

God bless you.

Faith-Filled Confession:

Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus, I praise You that in Your name, sickness, disease, and infirmity are subdued forever. I give You glory for making me a message of grace and righteousness to the people of the earth—a message of Your eternal victory over death, hell, and the forces of darkness. Therefore, I will sing of Your great name. I will dance because You are my rock and salvation. Come hell or high water, I will shout for joy because You are my victory. Hallelujah!

Prayer Direction

1. Pray against every claim of the spirit of rebellion on our children, declaring that it will be futile. Affirm that our children belong to the Lord.

   - Psalm 127:3: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward."

2. Pray that our children bring honor and joy to their parents throughout this school year. Pray against any attempts by the enemy to use our children to hinder the grace of God in our lives.

   - Proverbs 15:20: "Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother."

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 96-98; Romans 12