“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 ‭AMP‬‬

When my children were young and we managed a mobile home property, we had a mother’s helper – “Kiss-Tina”. Alathia called her that because  she couldn’t pronounce her “R’s” and it stuck. 

Christina – aka Kiss-Tina- was my right hand. She kept the kids on schedule during the day. She made lunch and folded clothes. She comforted sick kids and kissed boo-boos. She understood our family mission and she helped us reinforce it. She was an important part of our lives for those early years and definitely influenced the lives of our children. 

The image of her doing life beside us is the mental imagery that comes to mind when reading this passage. 

The Greek word used to describe “The Helper” – or the Holy Spirit – is paráklētos which means, in the widest sense, a succorer (someone who gives help in times of need or distress or difficulty), an advocate, or an assistant. The Holy Spirit led the disciples into a deeper knowledge gospel truth, and to gave them the divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom. It’s how they preached the gospel and healed the sick. It’s how they faced martyrdom and had joy in prison. They had the help of the Holy Spirit. And, as Believers, so do we. 

The Holy Spirit dwells inside of me, always protecting, guiding, comforting, and supporting me.  I may feel alone a lot of the time but the truth is, I’m not. I have the Holy Spirit and He desires close fellowship with me. He will help me if I’ll ask Him. He speaks to me if I’ll just listen. And He strengthens me if I’ll just lean in.

The Holy Spirit. My Helper. My friend.

Father – thank You for Your mercy and truth. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Give me a heart to receive all You have for me. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: John 14-17

November 10, 2022