I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17 NAS95)
I count this verse an experienced reality. Initially, I understood it as a fact that Jesus did not leave us without Him. However, what that meant took me a while to really grasp.
How can an invisible someone comfort or help? How do I notice Him? What makes Him recognizable to me?
These questions did not show up in full color, but murmurings like this arose in my life. I noticed a lot of Scripture echoing in my heart around how the Spirit interacts. Paul assumed everyone understood He interacted in a verse he wrote that continues with me: “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14 NAS95).
This verse started dancing around in my heart in a way that I began to notice, and its meaning has deepened over the past 20 years. Prior to that, the last line of the Great Commission arose as silently present with me (“and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age”).
“Echoing” or “dancing” best describe what occurred as I just started hearing the verses. I had read them repeatedly and it became clear the Spirit wanted a conversation. More importantly He wanted me to pay attention to Him. I call that an inverse prayer. God inviting me to a conversation.
The conversation grew and continues to grow, and more verses from the Bible have entered it (much in the same way). Moreover, the Spirit has caused me to understand the livability of the Scripture. He wants it lived.
I’ve noticed all sorts of assists, interruptions, promptings, and leadings from the Spirit. Not all easy to recognize, but recognizing has taken on a new shape: Love. His kind of love. He leads and interacts in such a way that results in living out love in deed and truth. I find comfort in that, especially since I know He never neglects my anxieties along the way. He comforts and encourages so that I can follow in confidence of His leading. While the conversation remains hidden from view (except to me if I listen), the aroma left behind is Christ, not me.
Even with the many times I miss the que and the aroma left behind smells more of me, His gentleness and guidance never leave. He desires my attentiveness to Him deepen. That comforts. He advocates like Jesus.
For Reflection:
“Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.” (Psalm 116:7 NAS95)
- How does God usually get your attention? What sort of approach does He use?
- How many times have you noticed His overtures to you in the past week? How does that bring comfort to you?
