“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever”
John 14:16 (KJV)
John 14:16 (KJV)
As Christians we are never alone (Hebrews 13:5) because the Holy Spirit is with us. Jesus promised to send ‘another Comforter’, which means that the Holy Spirit is a comforter just like Jesus. The ministry that Jesus gave and the ministry that the Holy Spirit gives are the same. This means that in this world, where we can experience so much pain and suffering, we are never without comfort.
“But when the Helper (Comforter) comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”
John 15:26 (NKJV) – Brackets is King James Version
John 15:26 (NKJV) – Brackets is King James Version
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our “parakletos”. This Greek word can be defined in a number of different ways and beautifully describes the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus was calling the Holy Spirit our Comforter, Counsellor, Helper and Guide. If we allow the ministry of the Holy Spirit to flow in our lives we will receive help, comfort and counsel. We all could use a Helper to help lead us on the right paths (John 16:13) and to help us make good decisions, whether they be big or small. The Comforter and Counsellor is with us 24 hours a day, ready to encourage us, build us up and refresh us by reminding us of God’s Word and God’s love and who we are in Christ.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
John 16:7 (NKJV)
John 16:7 (NKJV)
Because of the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our lives, we can be the most encouraged, confident, joyful, fearless, positive and motivated people on earth! Jesus said that having the Holy Spirit (the Helper) was to our advantage: we are in a position of advantage (compared to people in the world who do not have the Spirit) because of the Helper who is helping us. We have undeserved favour from God in the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
No matter what you’re going through today, be encouraged because you are not alone and you are not without help. Invite the Holy Spirit into your situation to minister to you. If you’re hurting or experiencing pain, loneliness, anxiety, discouragement or fear, be encouraged knowing that God understands, and that the Spirit of God is right where you are, right now, waiting for you to invite Him to supernaturally comfort you.
Thought to focus on for the day:
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is vital and significant. God wants to minister comfort, help and counsel to you, today, through His Holy Spirit. Whatever your need, He is present with you, and He is willing and able to comfort you fully.