Do you have a set of clothing that is your comfy cozy clothes? For me, it’s a pair of over-sized pajama pants and an old sweatshirt. Mmmm, just typing that makes me want to go and put them on, especially with the rain falling outside and the temperatures lingering in the 50s!
What makes these clothes so comfortable?
- Material—the material is soft
- Familiar—they are old and well-worn!
- Sentimental—the Rickets Glen sweatshirt was purchased years ago while on a family vacation.
- Loose—lots of room.
- Warmth—this is not an outfit for July, but on a cold, rainy March day, it’s perfect!
So how do these relate to the Holy Spirit—our Comforter?
Material—He is a Spirit and He speaks in a soft, gentle voice! He calls to our hearts, never demanding, but instructing and comforting–wooing us to come closer! And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12) In this wonderful, biblical account of Elijah hiding from Jezebel, God displays His majesty with earthquakes and fire and wind so strong that it shook and broke the mountain! But God spoke in a quiet voice, asking Elijah what he was doing there. and then patiently listening to Elijah’s rather whiny complaint.
Familiar—Is the Holy Spirit familiar to you? Is He and “old” friend with which you long to spend time with? This is not a study of the Holy Spirit, but below is a list from the Thompson Chain Reference Bible which may help you to become more familiar with the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, 6s, 7s, and 8’s of (office and work of)
Each verse given below contains either the number 6, 7 or 8, Hence called “The 6’s, 7’s and 8’s of the Holy Spirit”
- The Abiding Guest (John 14:16)
- The Teacher and Remembrancer (John 14:26)
- The Testifier (John 15:26)
- The Reprover (John 16:7,8)
- The Guide, the Voice of God, the Prophet (John 16:13)
- The Glorifier of Jesus (John 16:14)
- The Exhibitor of Jesus (John 16:15)
- The Spiritual Dynamo (Acts 1:8)
- The Witness to Sonship (Romans 8:16)
- The Helper in Prayer (Romans 8:26)
- The Solicitor (Revelation 22:17)
Sentimental—sentimentality comes from time spent with special people. Are you aware of the Holy Spirit and His workings in your life? Have you purposely spent time alone with the Holy Spirit, listening to His teachings while studying His Word?
Loose-amazingly, the Holy Spirit is a one-size-fits-all! I can’t explain or even agree with some teachings about the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t matter! Biblical truths matter, and the Holy Spirit is able to fill every believer at salvation. He leaves plenty of room for each of us to fit perfectly into HIS mold.
Warmth—there is much confusion about the Holy Spirit in our day, and only more confusion will come as the Lord’s return draws closer. The pendulum of emotions swings back and forth covering the extremes concerning our walk with the Lord. While some worship God in a frenzy, others quietly seek His face. The warmth provided by flannel pajama pants and a sweatshirt is comforting. So too, the blessed quietness of the Holy Spirit warms our souls!
Perhaps I’m stretching these similarities to make a point, but I hope that it will help quantify the precious comfort that can only come from our Comforter!
Beyond Common Sense 