The Holy Spirit has always been very mysterious to me. Like
something pulled straight out of Harry Potter. Because think about it…

The Father is in heaven.

Jesus lived on earth, and now is seated next to the Father in heaven.

But, the Holy Spirit is here with us and in us NOW.

What?

I think it’s one of the most fascinating things about God – He is with us and in us in this very moment.

Side note: This makes the Holy Spirit one of those parts of Christianity that you can’t talk about to random people and sound normal. I feel like people look at you like you might start speaking in tongues at any moment. Which is funny, because in a lot of ways it’s the most tangible way we experience God. Maybe we’re just not giving the Holy Spirit enough credit.

The Holy Spirit is introduced immediately in the Bible. Out of 31,103 verses (thanks Google) the Holy Spirit enters the scene in verse 2.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:2)
Hovering. What do you think of when you hear hovering?

Hovercrafts.

Hovering over my husbands shoulder (“Ashley, stop
hovering.”)

But, mostly, I think anticipation. If someone is hovering,
something is about to happen. There is a move about to be made.

So, the Holy Spirit was there, at creation…hovering. He was
waiting and anticipating because the most creative act in the history of the
world was about to happen.

Awesome.

But what else? What is the Holy Spirit like? What is He
responsible for in our lives?

Here’s what I found…

He is a deposit guaranteeing the joys of what is ahead in
heaven – a glimpse of what is to come. (2 Corinthians 1:22)

He gives us power to share Christ with others. (Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:4)

He gives each of us unique spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:28, 12:8–10, Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6–8, 1 Peter 4:11)

He helps us with our prayers and translates our deepest
desires to God. (Romans 8:26)

He defeats Satan in our lives. He helps us overcome our personal
darkness. (Matthew 12:28)

When we sin, He is the one who convicts us. (John 16:8–11)

He is the source of all: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

On the days we doubt that we are God’s children, when we
think we’re out of the family, He talks with us and reassures us that we are
always loved. (Romans 8:12–16)

He guides us, tells us that to do, where to go, and who to
talk to along the way…even when we don’t know why. (Mark 1:12, Acts 8:29, Acts 20:22)

He is how we feel God’s love poured out on our hearts. (Romans 5:5)

He teaches us ALL things spiritual. There is no limit to
what He can teach us. He counsels us. He reminds us of all Jesus has said to us in the past. (John 14:26)

He gives life, new life. (Psalm 104:30)

When we’re in a bind, He tells us what to say. (Luke 12:12)

He brings us together as believers. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

He calls us all who are spiritually thirsty to come and
drink the water of life freely through God’s grace.  (Revelation 22:17)

Even Jesus said it was better that He leave and go to heaven
so that the Holy Spirit could come to us. (John 16:7) After reading all that, I
can see why!

I’ll take a little extra peace and patience today, Holy Spirit.
And a side of counseling. Thank you.

What about you? What would you like the Holy Spirit to do in you and for you at this season in your life?

Young Life Leaders – turn this into a Campaigners lesson here!