“No matter how we may feel, or what we are going through, God never will leave us alone.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 1, 2024
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. John 14:26
In recent weeks, in many parts of the country, families have shared a common experience–packing up their kids and sending them off to college. For those who experienced this for the first time, I can still remember this being one of those best-worst feelings as a parent. Even all these years later, I can still recall the day I brought my son to college for the first time. I sobbed the ugly cry the entire way home.
Oh, the memories! Of course, I was excited for him and all the new experiences he would have, yet it was also the first time our little family of three would no longer be together daily. He didn’t have other friends attending his college, and although it was a mere two hours from home, I felt like I was leaving him alone in the wilderness. I know this seems a bit melodramatic, but that’s how this mama felt back then.
Thankfully, we are never truly alone, whether we’re sending our child off to college or beginning a new path in life. A few days before Jesus was crucified, he had a long talk with his apostles, as detailed in John 14. I love how he tried encouraging them and letting them know he wasn’t abandoning them. Instead, he promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with them forever as their Helper.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:16-19).
Depending on your Bible translation, the Holy Spirit is often called the Comforter, Advocate, Helper, or Counselor. The Greek meaning of an advocate is one who will plead your case, who will help you and defend you. No matter how we feel or what we are going through, God never will leave us alone.
Looking back on the day I left my son at college, no matter how many tears I shed, I knew I had prepared him as best I could. I prayed over him and knew deep in my heart that he was not alone. Wherever he went, the Holy Spirit, our Helper, went with him. Today that is still true for you and me. What a relief it is for us to have this confidence. God is always with us, a constant presence in our lives.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Prayer
Jesus, we are so grateful that you never abandon us, but instead have left us with a Helper through your Holy Spirit. Please continue to guide and comfort me, as you direct my every step along life’s path.
Application
If you are facing an empty nest or dropped off your first born at college, take heart that they are never alone. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and direct each step along their journey.
Related Reading
Acts 1:8; John 14:26; Romans 8:26
Worship Resource
Jesus Culture feat. Kim Walker Smith: Holy Spirit
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