Those of us who are truly blessed have at least one someone who can turn things around by their presence. Rainy becomes sunny. Hopelessness becomes hope. Panic becomes calm. Confusion becomes direction. Perhaps above all else, sorrow becomes joy.
They do it by their presence alone. Sometimes there’s a plus: a word, a verse, a cool drink or a sweet treat. That’s pure extra. The presence is what we desperately need. We are completely thankful for it.
Such is the work of the Holy Spirit. His function is to be present in the life of the believer. When that presence is experienced, joy flows. The presence is constant. Our experience is learned and varies. Sometimes our circumstances are so dark and overwhelming that the presence can’t be recognized. Sometimes we are so self-absorbed, we can notice anything else, especially not the spiritual presence of God.
The Holy Spirit is like the wind, unseen and recognized only by the effects of its movement. When things in our lives change, especially without natural cause, the Spirit is working. The Spirit is at work whether we recognize it or not. His guidance, however, requires our recognition of His presence and our sensitivity to his word.
A life of significant mission is one guided by the comforting direction of the Holy Spirit.
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