The Holy Spirit and Our Afflictions

“Jesus Christ is the same 

yesterday and today and forever” 

(Hebrews 13:8).

God’s promised Comforter, the One to lead us into all truth was first given to Jesus’ apostles -- hovering, filling them with boldness to walk out their calling. (Acts 2)

God’s Holy Spirit is also his promised Comforter to each of us. I ponder the words that accompany the gospel account. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4).

There have been the times I have had to learn a new language as I faced unknown experiences. Some required changes that were work related. Others were emotional turns that set me in motion, grasping for words to convey the disorientation, pleas of hope to return to a grounded center.

Within me, during these times, God’s Comforter was interceding, hovering heart-close, beckoning me to the rhythm of my new language because only He had the true words to meet my needs.”And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God” (Romans 8:27).

My burdens found his light and shone as gifts. Others, having experienced their own impacting moments, were met walking upon the same road. We unwrapped comfort from one another in the encouragement of recognition. 

Praise

Your Presence reveals the depth of your brightened care, 

O Comforter, perfectly named.

from “Feathered Whispers from God’s Heart”

Lynn L. Severance

Mansion Builder

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1a, 2-3).

I was part of a discussion about the importance of physical exercise and how maintaining a target heart rate is necessary for the exercise to be fully beneficial. It raised this question within me. “How is my spiritual heart rate these days?” As Christ is preparing a place for me, yet to come, my earthly home which is a temple where his Sprit dwells, needs attention now.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” 

When my mind churns with anxieties, I am not on target with Christ as my center. My problems take center stage and bring disrespect to his temple. Problems cannot be denied but they do not identify me. 

Christ does.

As I do my best to tend to my literal home here on earth, my body, soul, and spirit also need attention. I don’t want to trip over any clutter within or without. I want the target of my focus to be filled with him so that his purposes will rate the most.

Praise

Your building plans here and to come
 are targeted perfectly for me!


Mansion Builder
as sung by The Second Chapter of Acts
(click on link to listen)

from “Feathered Whispers from God’s Heart”

Lynn L. Severance