Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Monday, January 23, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 01.23.2017” on Spreaker.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:26–27).
You are not alone!
God has done so much to provide comfort, peace, and heavenly companionship for His people. Many of us feel lonely, especially when we have chosen to accept the responsibility of living holy lives amidst the wickedness of this world. Our senses are bombarded with sights and sounds that are antithetical to godliness. Yet, we must continue to function and thrive through it all. Coworkers, friends, family members, and strangers we encounter are not always helpful in this area, and this is not to mention the confluence of all this in social media, but God has promised to be with us.
That being said, I would like to direct your attention to one special way God has chosen to keep this promise to us. As you can see in our theme text, our heavenly Father has sent the Holy Spirit as our constant divine Helper to do many things for us. Among them are:
1. Represent Jesus
2. Teach us all things needful for this life in preparation for the life to come
3. Prevent spiritual amnesia concerning whatever Jesus has told us
4. Give us peace
5. Inoculate us against the viruses of fear and a troubled spirit
All of this and more God has given in the Person and work of the Holy Sprit.
You do not need to fear when the world seems to be getting crazier by the moment. You do not need to be troubled as though God is going to leave things that way. You can understand how to navigate the maze of constant bad news in media, governmental debates and endless policy discussions, and distress among the nations. You can have peace as these things get worse every day you awaken.
Why? How?
You are not alone! The Spirit is with you. He is prepared to bring divine aid anywhere and at any time. So, do not be fearful. Do not embrace loneliness. God is with you, and He will guide you until Jesus returns if you let Him.