Momentum For Monday, October 23rd 2023
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” (John 16:7)
To be quite honest, I truly had a difficult time trying to wrap words around today’s post. I almost went with something else because I felt like I couldn’t do this topic justice in just one blog. However, I know my readers are awesome and gracious, so I decided to make an attempt anyways (so bear with me).
I felt a heavy importance in the midst of talking about depression awareness this month, that the Holy Spirit needs mentioned. I don’t consider myself an expert in mental health nor the Holy Spirit, but in either regard, I do have some experience and feel it’s worth sharing in hopes to encourage and help others. Here’s the #1 thing I want to leave you with though—the best and most powerful aid we wield as Christian’s is the Holy Spirit.
The truth of the matter is that the Holy Spirit encompasses so much but is not explained well to people in general. Unfortunately, the extreme and negative cases are a lot of what most resort to when the Holy Spirit is mentioned to those outside of Church (and even with some in the Church). I was hoping you wouldn’t make me say it, but ya know, the things like snake handling, wild convulsions, or false, unbiblical prophecies.
Really what we need to understand is that the Holy Spirit is the best in-person teacher we will ever know (because He literally lives in you according to Ephesians 1:13-14) . John 14:26 tells us that the Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us of all things. For me, I take this into even the smaller details of my life. Not only do I bank on this for spiritual things, but also for practical or even little things. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost something like my keys and asked for help to show me where they are and as soon as I pray, I usually find them soon after!
Additionally, the Holy Spirit is not just a great comforter, but the Comforter according to that same Scripture in John. It’s so common to medicate or numb ourselves to keep from having to face and feel pain (I’ll be one of the first to confess that I am guilty of it too). However, if we leaned into the Holy Spirit for comfort, we’d probably find the freedom and help we so deeply long for and need.
Like I said before, I am barely cracking the surface of the empowerment and provision of the Holy Spirit, but I want to remind and encourage all of us to rely more on Him. He’s even there for us to help us pray when we don’t know what or how to pray for. So, this week, wherever you struggle and need help, ask the Helper with your troubles. Pray for insight on things. When you’re emotionally struggling, ask for comfort. Then listen intently to see occurs.
“And in the same way—by our faith—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words.”
(Romans 8:26)