Why do people get drunk? To escape routine, a dull life, loneliness or overwhelming circumstances? To lose control for a while? To feel they belong? To feel something they can't feel without the alcohol such as freedom from inhibition, a sense of happiness and peace?
God provides a far superior and danger-free alternative to alcohol:
"Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.
Instead let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.
Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves,
making music to the Lord in your hearts.
And you will always give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:18-20
We don't need alcohol to loosen our lips to sing. Our music should erupt from hearts filled with the Holy Spirit in all types of songs: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. And with the Holy Spirit's filling we don't slur the words, have horrible breath, or get sick on our fellow choristers.
Be warned, however: When you're freely worshiping the Lord, singing all kinds of songs without restraint, someone may ask, "Have you been drinking?" Just ask the Upper Room disciples of Pentecost (Acts 2) how some people responded to the Holy Spirit swooping in and filling them with power and super-natural abilities.
"Some of you are saying these people are drunk. It isn't true! It's much too early for that. . . . No, what you see this morning was predicted centuries ago by the prophet Joel:
'In the last days, God said,
I will pour out My Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
In those days, I will pour out My Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike."
Acts 2:14-18
Holiness instead of hangovers. Power instead of false courage. Belonging, unity, and usefulness instead of people stepping over us or having to drag us to their cars to get us home. Fresh filling of the Spirit with no loss of brain cells. Moments to remember and cherish because God uses us in His kingdom purpose and plan, in place of hours of unconsciousness and wondering what happened. Lasting joy.
I'll take an outpouring of Your Spirit Lord - straight up! Fill us with You so we're not tempted to fill ourselves with what leads to our destruction. Open the heavens and pour out revival on Your people. May we lose our self-consciousness as we're controlled by Your Love, Joy and Peace. Use us in miraculous, unexpected ways to lead others to You.
In the Name of Jesus Who promised us the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Guide
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