Tuesday 9 April, 2019

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

It should come as no surprise to me that God knew there are times in every one of our lives when we feel very, very alone. Not only does God know and understand this but he has a plan. I know that I may feel alone at times – facing big decisions I am not sure how to make or circumstances that are far beyond my control. But my feelings and the reality and constancy of relationship with God are two different things. Jesus says the Holy Spirit is in me, God in me, leading guiding and comforting me. Knowing this takes me beyond being trapped by feelings. The feelings are real but so is the presence of God in my life. Thank you Jesus that I can trust in you and know you are always with me.

Heavenly Father thank you for the Holy Spirit in my life. Thank you that I am never alone. Thank you for your great love for me. Help me to always bring Glory to your name.  In Jesus name, Amen

Written by Christine Knight