Take a moment and read John 14:15-27.
After the Passover meal, Jesus spoke with His disciples of things to come, one of which being the coming of the Holy Spirit. Just as promised to His disciples, after His death, resurrection, and ascension, the Holy Spirit fell upon the people like a mighty rushing wind. Fantastic signs of God’s holy presence residing in and flowing through His people left the multitude amazed and astonished at the work of God. (Read Acts 1-2 for greater context.)
We can see the Holy Spirit moving and working in our midst as He brings truths of scripture to mind and draws us to greater intimacy with Himself. The Holy Spirit communicates and testifies to us of our true identity as a child of God (Romans 8:16) and beacons us to know Him more fully through a lifelong journey of sanctification. He is the one that empowers us to love and follow God that we might bear these wonderful spiritual fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
So, where does that leave us? Through Day 1 and today’s reading, we know the fullness of the Gospel and a small portion of what God can do through His Holy Spirit. But do we actually have faith that He will do what He has promised: that He will never abandon you? Maybe you find yourself today yearning to the deep depths of your soul for a divine encounter with the Lord. For the Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon you and rejuvenate a life full of beauty and splendor as you soak up His enriching whisper that feeds your soul.
Be encouraged, fellow believer, because God Himself is speaking now. He is the one encouraging and enabling you to dive deeper into this lifelong journey with Him. The life of a believer can have its ups and downs due to our own faulty efforts, but rest assured in faith that it is GOD who establishes us.
First thing first, release your sense of striving and allow God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to be the one to firmly hold you to Himself.
Take a moment and ask the Lord if there is any area in your life you are trying to control in your own strength rather than allowing Him to sustain. Don’t brush past this, spend at least 3-5 minutes in silence to allow God to bring things to mind.
Finish by reading a quote from the 19th century author, Andrew Murray’s Abiding in Christ, and thank God for His constant pursuit and the strength to live for Him.
