Turning to The Lord for Strength to Stand Against This World

I often experience this world like a river that flows downstream.  There is no realistic way for us to avoid being in that stream, and in fact we are called to be.  I am often reminded that all we have to do to find ourselves drifting downstream into a world of carnality is nothing.  Just hang out in the river for a bit and you will find yourself moving downstream in the wrong direction.  It takes energy and power to go against the current.  When we try to do it in our own strength, we may experience a brief measure of success, but inevitably we grow weary and find ourselves losing ground to the seemingly incessant current of this world.  So, I hope this post will serve as a reminder to some, an encouragement to others, and perhaps even a kind correction to someone who may be making the mistake of relying upon the power of the flesh instead of the Spirit.  Abba, I confess that too often I slip into a mode of relying on my own determination and will to combat the power of this world as it unceasingly pushes me in a direction that my spirit does not want to go.  I choose again fresh and new to turn to You for Your help, Your power, Your strength, to enable me to move towards You even as the world seeks to draw me away.  And I would ask on behalf of myself, as well as any other brothers and sisters reading this who feel weary from the expenditure of their own energy in trying to fight the battle, that You would help us to surrender to Your Spirit.  Empower us, Holy Spirit, to lead lives that would glorify Jesus and enable us to go against the current.  Sustain us in our souls and teach us how to more deeply abide in You.  In the Name of Yeshua we ask, Amen.