F.L.O.W: Getting Unstuck Through the Power of Surrender a 5-Day Devotional by Dr. Avril Occilien-SimilienSample

The Flow

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

“Again?” I woke up perplexed, wondering about the significance of a recurring dream. In the dream, I was in a boat, surrounded by calm waters, when suddenly, a huge wave rose like a tsunami. As the wave approached, I closed my eyes and let the water wash over me. No fear. No panic. No destruction. Then I would wake up. I wondered, “Lord, what does this mean?” I prayed about it and sought wise counsel, but still, I needed greater clarity.

One day, as I prayed about it, a single word came to mind: flow. At first, the meaning was not clear. Then, the Holy Spirit whispered, “It’s all about the heart.” Flow? Heart? How are those two related? At that moment, I was reminded of Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Physically, the human heart pumps blood throughout our bodies—a process we do not have to think about—it just happens. The same is true for a stream or river. The water does not question where it comes from or where it is headed; it just flows.

In the same way, everything in our lives flows from our spiritual hearts. Jesus said in John 7:37b-38 (NIV), “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” When we fill our hearts with God’s wisdom, love, and peace, that flows out of us.

But when our hearts are clogged with worry, fear, or doubt, it is easy to feel stuck. Maybe this is where you are right now—feeling stuck, unsure of the next step regarding what God is calling you toward. But here’s the great news: God has given you the key to getting unstuck. The Holy Spirit is ready to move in your life and bring flow where there has been stagnation. Just as in my dream, I believe God wants you to lean into His flow. Close your eyes and let His Word wash over you.

If this faith journey—stepping out of my comfort zone—has taught me one thing, it has taught me courage. Courage to face fear and move forward anyway. Courage to trust God’s leading, even when it doesn’t make sense. Courage to let go and let the Spirit flow freely.

Over the next four days, we will walk through the F.L.O.W. acronym, which will help you navigate this journey and uncover the thoughts and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck. It’s time to face fear, release doubt, embrace surrender, and let God’s Spirit flow in and through your life.