These are just some of Jesus’ last words of encouragement to his disciples before He was arrested and crucified. The Advocate, Counselor, or Helper will come. It’s really hard to imagine life as a believer without His presence. I don’t believe we could endure without Him, and the Kingdom would likely not have advanced all those years ago. The early disciples of Christ needed Him then, and we need Him still.
Yesterday, I mentioned my lack of knowledge or understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role and benefit in my life until I was older. That led to many years of unconfessed, sinful attitudes and actions. Without understanding, I had repeatedly grieved the Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 4:29-32. An advocate is one who pleads the case or the cause of another. So, when I reflect on all those years, I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit was continually interceding on my behalf. When we are faithless, He remains faithful. Once I had repented and welcomed the Holy Spirit to lead my life, He washed away the pain of those past years and set me on His firm foundation.
I still falter often, but I am quick to run to Him. There is one telltale sign that I’ve departed from God’s path, and He has taught me to be aware of it. I will feel a lack of His presence. An intercessor on our prayer team uses the term “dispeace,” I like that. In His presence, there is peace. When we sin, we thankfully do not lose our salvation but we do grieve and quench the Spirit of God living in us. Let’s keep a short list and run to Him quickly with our offenses.
Take some time today to allow God to show you any areas where you have grieved His Spirit. Receive His forgiveness and allow your spirit to be renewed in Him.