I have a nice big glass of ice water next to me, as I sit here and write. It’s filled to the brim and beads of condensation are forming around the base. I put the glass down to begin my writing and my nosy little kitten, Scout, jumps up to see what I am doing. Upon doing so, he knocks my glass over, spilling it everywhere. What spilled out of the glass when it was knocked over? Water. Why? Because that is what I filled the glass with! My question to you is, what comes out of you when you are shaken? When you get knocked down and storms come your way, what spills forth from you? Do you show patience and love, or do you have a biting temper? Like that glass of water, what we fill ourselves with is what we will showcase, when we are hit with struggles and hard times. If we fill ourselves with worldly things, when trials and temptations come, our attitude will be of worldly reactions. (Galatians 5:19-21) Tolerance levels grow higher and standards shrink lower. Mood swings, tempers, lack of discipline, lack of discernment, anxiety, hatefulness, all are symptoms that show what your heart is filled with. We should strive to fill ourselves daily with the Spirit, so we can bring forth the fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) We should spend time in the Word of God and knowing our Savior better, so when the hard times hit, we will be ready to use them for His glory. When filled with the Spirit, we won’t cave under pressures, we won’t give in to temptations, we can show self-control for God is in control. Galatians 5:16 says- “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”  Frustrations bring forth patience and our attitudes towards others radiate love, kindness, gentleness, and we have a peace and joy in our lives. Much like my glass of water, when we are shaken and knocked down, we need a refill. Daily refills are important, so you don’t get caught on empty. When we are low in our filling of the Spirit, it is easier to fill ourselves with the ungodly things and we are seen as weak prey to the enemy. (Galatians 5:17) Renew yourself in the Lord, and refresh your Spirit in the Holy Spirit. What will come out of you when you are shaken? I am going to go refill my water glass, then refill myself in the Word of God. :) Galatians 5:25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”