YOUR DAILY DIVE: With You in Spirit

YOUR DAILY DIVE: with you in spirit

SCRIPTURE:
“Then I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you. I will not abandon you as orphans, I will come to you. In a little while the world will not see me any longer, but you will see me; because I live, you will live too.” (John 14:16-19; NET)

STORY:
In John 14, Jesus is trying to prepare His disciples for life without His physical presence on earth. He tells them that when He returns to Heaven, He will ask the Father to give them a “Helper” or “Advocate” who will be with them forever. Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Trinity. The moment we put our confidence in Jesus Christ as our Savior, God indwells us with the Holy Spirt who promises to never leave or forsake us. God is as close as the next breath you breathe or the next word on your tongue. And He does not come and go. Once God the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts, He becomes our constant companion in this world.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
It is not uncommon to feel abandoned by God, especially in times of struggle and suffering. But in those moments, God’s Truth must rise above our feelings. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and take up residence in the Christ-follower. The Holy Spirit indwells us forever. But like any healthy relationship, we must spend quality time with the Spirit if we want to enjoy His presence. He is as close to you as the next word on your tongue. So talk to Him. Sit quietly and listen to Him speak into your heart. Open your Bible and ask Him to guide you through God’s Word. Your relationship with Him won’t happen by osmosis. When you ask Him to meet you where you are, open your spiritual ears and heart. He’s there.

PRAYER:
Father, there are days when I feel so alone, even when I am with people I love. Only You can fully satisfy the heartache of loneliness. Your Spirit lives within me 24/7 to guide, teach, and comfort me. Help me grow in relationship with You through the Holy Spirit, learning His voice, seeking His wisdom, trusting His direction, and abiding in His peace. With gratitude for Your Spirit, and in the name of Your Son I pray. Amen.