This is Us: Spirit-Filled
John 16:7 “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Jesus often said things that His disciples didn’t understand. After He told them the parable of the soils, for example, the disciples had to ask Him what He meant. Another one of those confusing statements for them probably was: “It is good for you that I am going away.” The idea of Jesus going away didn’t seem good in any way! But we see today that it was after Jesus’ earthly departure that the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples in a new way.
So, who is the Holy Spirit? And what should we expect from Him today?
- The Holy Spirit is a person, not a force: He is the third person in the Trinity and the most personal presence of God we can experience. Jesus promises that God Himself will make His dwelling within us!
- The Holy Spirit will comfort us: Another translation for the Advocate is the Comforter. He can calm us in tragedy. Help us focus in stressful meetings at work. Give us peace at home when everything is hectic!
- The Holy Spirit teaches the truth: He can remind us of what is best and true in our lives. He convicts and points us back to God.
- The Holy Spirit is Holy: Galatians 5 gives us a list of the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Who does not need more of this in their life?
- The Holy Spirit empowers our life: He makes us more effective in what matters most. He changes the lives of those around us and can use us in ways we cannot imagine.
In his book, Everyday Supernatural: Living a Spirit-led Life without Being Weird, Mike Pilavachi shares how he has learned to listen to the Holy Spirit help others in ways beyond his own strength and ability.
How about you? Is there a chance that you need more comfort, conviction, holiness, or power in your life? We all do! Take a moment to quiet your heart today and humbly ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence. Learn to listen to His voice and the quiet whispers of direction He often gives.
Take a few moments this weekend to read and reflect on Jesus’ words in John 16:7-15 and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you today.