“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 (NIV)

One afternoon early in my ministry, when I was supposed to be studying, I could not concentrate. I was in the throes of weariness, battling insomnia, a dozen insecurities and deadlines.

I was under the impression that I had to fix everyone’s problems, shoulder everyone’s burdens and never grow weary in doing so. After some moments, I moved from my office chair into the chair I used for guests. I bowed my head and sighed.

When I did, this scripture came to mind: “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NASB).

I’d read the verse hundreds of times, but this particular time, it was the pronoun “Me” that struck me. I realized that I had been turning to everyone and everything but Him. The words of Jesus went from ink on a page to balm for my soul.

Why did that verse come to mind? Simple. The Holy Spirit, my Teacher, reminded me.

The Spirit has a specific, overarching mission. His task is to teach us about Jesus. Jesus tells us in John 14:26, “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.”

Is this not great news? The Spirit who was present at creation, who was moving and active in Christ’s incarnation and resurrection, and who will be present at the final return of Christ, the mighty hand at the final revelation — He is your Tutor. The invisible presence of God on earth invites you to enter His classroom and learn from Him. He will reveal new and wondrous things to you and remind you of Jesus!

We are not left alone with our questions. It is not up to us to solve the riddles of our existence. We have a Helper, a divine Instructor. He will save us from our confusion and doubt. He does this by enrolling us in the primary course of His university: Jesus Christ.

So let’s invite the Holy Spirit into our world. Let’s begin our days with the words “Welcome, Holy Spirit!” and aim to walk in the Spirit by inviting Him into the details of our lives. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25, NIV)

Let’s allow these prayers to come quickly to our minds: In this moment, what are You teaching me? Or, How am I to respond to this challenge, Lord? Or, Direct me, please. Which way should I go?

Today, let’s pause and listen and keep an ear inclined toward the Spirit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Thank You for whispering truth when I need it and for teaching me how to love and live like Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Do you long to have a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? Discover how to experience the Holy Spirit in your everyday life with Max’s new book, Help Is Here.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

When you face a challenge, who or what is the first person/thing you turn to?

How do you experience the Holy Spirit speaking to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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