A Constant Companion

“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-14).

A unique characteristic of the Holy Spirit is that he does not like to talk about himself. He does not want us to know about him so much as to know about his mission, which is to bring us to Jesus and keep us in purity and holiness. He is always at work, making Christ known in our hearts, and he delights in our seeking knowledge about why he has come.

Jesus had gathered his disciples for one last moment of communion before he was to be translated. It was a sorrowful time for them because their sole source of comfort was being taken away. Jesus was their guide and teacher, their joy, peace, hope and love, but now he was physically leaving them. They did not truly understand the gift to come after his parting.

Can you imagine the questions they had? “Now who will guide us? Where will we go for words of eternal life? He told us to go into the whole world and preach the gospel in his name, but where will the power come from? He is all we have ever known and we have built our entire world around him!” Jesus read their minds. He knew what they were going to face: hardships, destitution, persecution, even torture, for his name. “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16). And he assured them, “I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you” (see 14:18).

It seems easy to believe that the Holy Spirit has been sent to the world, but harder to believe he has been sent to us personally. If Jesus were to suddenly appear alongside you, would you talk with him? Of course you would! Likewise, the Holy Spirit is to be that personal to you — your comfort, your guide, your constant companion!