The Spirit-Song Cycle

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Ephesians 5:17-19 (KJV)

In verse 18, where it says “be filled,” the correct translation of that would actually be “be being filled.” It is an ongoing thing to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God. There is an initial filling, followed by the ongoing process of being filled.

In our daily lives, we need our daily bread (the Word) and a continual filling of the Holy Spirit. As we are continually filled, verse 17 becomes a reality- we understand the will of the Lord. We gain wisdom and understanding of God’s will.

It is actually His will that we be filled with the Holy Spirit continually. That filling results in singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Psalms are songs of praise, scripture set to music. Hymns are sacred compositions, songs of faith sung to God. Spiritual songs are songs sung in the Spirit, meaning singing in tongues. They are also prophetic songs, songs of Lord, and new songs.

So, the result of being continually filled with the Spirit is that He fills our hearts with song. And we sing and make melody. As we continue to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we are continually filled with the Spirit. And as we are continually filled with ther Spirit, our hearts are filled with song. It’s a wonderful, joyous cycle!

As a result, we live the Spirit-filled, overflowing life of the Holy Spirit, giving glory to the Lord and walking out His will for our lives.