The Holy Spirit Is Present

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

The devotional for today titled The Holy Spirit is Present was written by Marvin Williams. Making his pre-flight checks for a flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to New York City, a flight attendant noticed a passenger visibly anxious and concerned about flying. He sat in the aisle, held her hand, explained each step of the flight process, and reassured her that she was going to be fine. When you get on an aircraft, it's not about us. It's about you, he said. And if you're not feeling good, I want to be there to say, hey, what's wrong?

Is there something I can do? His caring presence can be a picture of what Jesus said the Holy Spirit would do for believers in him. Christ's death and resurrection and ascension were necessary and beneficial to save people from their sins, but it would also create emotional turbulence and deep sorrow in the disciples' hearts.

So, he reassured them that they wouldn't be left alone to carry out his mission in the world. He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them, an advocate to help them and be with them forever. The Spirit would bear witness about Jesus and remind them of all Christ did and said. They would be encouraged by him during difficult times. In this life, everyone, including believers in Christ, will experience the turbulence of anxiety, fear, and grief. But he has promised that, in his absence, the Holy Spirit is present to comfort us. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 14 verse 16 and verses 23 through 27. Jesus said, I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.

Now picking up at verse 23. 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.

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. All this I have spoken while still with you. 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. 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. Let's pray. Dear Jesus, thank you for the Spirit's comfort and counsel and presence. And when we're feeling anxious, would you remind us that you are with us and that we are safe within your comforting arms? Thank you, Lord. It is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. My name is Wes Ward, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.