Another Helper
I have a 3-year-old daughter, and she is amazing! She is a total daddy’s girl. When I am home, Ellie is basically my second shadow. Wherever I go, she is there. Whatever I am doing, she is doing. She has turned into my little helper. If I am taking out the giant garbage can, she has to have one hand on it to help. If I am cutting up food for dinner, she gets her own fake knife right next to me. It is wonderful having a little helper, even if it is a little more work sometimes.
Today, we are going to look at our own personal helper in Scripture. First, let us look at John 14:16-17. Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
In John 16:7, Jesus continues, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
What is Jesus telling us here? He is giving us a heads-up that while He is leaving physically, He is sending someone just as amazing. He is sending the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, our Helper. This is not just any helper; He is God’s Spirit living within us.
Now, think about that for a second. We often get caught up in life’s stresses and struggles, feeling like we are alone. However, Jesus is basically saying, “Hey, you are not alone! I am sending you Someone Who is going to be with you always.” The Holy Spirit is here to guide us, comfort us, and lead us into all truth.
Yet, it gets even better. In Romans 8:26-27, Paul gives us another layer of understanding: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Is that not incredible? Even when we are at a loss for words, when we do not know how to pray or what to ask for, the Holy Spirit steps in. He intercedes for us. He communicates our deepest needs and desires to God in ways we cannot even begin to articulate.
How does this impact our daily lives? Knowing we have the Holy Spirit with us should bring immense comfort and confidence. When you are feeling down, lost, or just overwhelmed, remember that the Holy Spirit is right there with you, ready to help. He is not a distant force. He is personal, involved, and deeply cares about your every need.
As we go about our week, let us make a conscious effort to lean on the Holy Spirit. Invite Him into your decisions, struggles, and joys. Ask Him to guide you, to intercede for you, and to help you grow closer to God.
Remember, Jesus promised this Comforter for a reason. He knew we would need help navigating this crazy, beautiful life. With the Holy Spirit, we are never alone. That is a promise we can hold onto.