God of all Comfort

Some topics are easier to convey than others. It is frustrating to have something you want to share only to be stopped by a limited ability to share it. However, that has never stopped me in the past and it is a topic too important to not share.  I have been doing word studies on the Holy Spirit and His ministry to us as believers. The more I study...the more I find. I have decided on dividing this into topics to help maintain a train of thought. So there will be more than one post on this subject. Today I want to share some of my word study as well as what scripture has to say about Him.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
(John 14:16)

The word “Comforter” here refers to the Holy Spirit. In Greek the word is “parakletos” which means helper, advocate, counsellor and comforter all of which pertain to the ministry of the Holy Spirit for us as believers in Christ. This would usually be enough for me but the study went further. The word “comfort” is from the Greek as well. It is a compound word. The prefix “com” means “with” or “with you.” The suffix “fort” means “strength.” So the true meaning of the word is “One who is with you in strength.” You could also take it as “One who is with you to give you strength.” I would think both definitions are accurate. This really changed the way I thought of the word “comfort.” I always viewed this as a reactive action rather than a proactive one. A place we would run to for solace or to recover when we felt defeated. It is more like a fortress we go to and prepare for battle. A refuge to plan what we must do next.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
(John 16:13-14)

The Holy Spirit does not come to speak of Himself. He points to what God has done and what Jesus has done. He often points to the cross of Christ. He will never contradict scripture but will point you to it and give you recall of it when you need it. He reminds us when we should speak and in my case, when to shut up. He never forces anything on you as a believer but awaits your response to His direction. He is always willing to teach and always ready to go before you. He lays out your path before you even when you are unaware of it as a Christian. He can keep you from making some really bad mistakes if you will allow Him to do so.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
(Rom 8:26-27)

He prays for us when we don’t know how to pray for something. Other than the sacrifice Christ made on the cross this is one of the greatest acts of love God does for us. Many times we don’t even recognize it or acknowledge it. It humbles me to know that God Himself prays for me. I have not even mentioned or given reference to the gifts He gives us or the fruit He allows us to bear as believers. It is impossible to think of my life in Christ without Him. He gives us instruction, guidance, help and of course...comfort.

Father, I thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to us. I thank you for His help and guidance. I thank you for His prayers. I thank you for taking such good care of us as believers in Christ. I ask you would bless each and every one who reads this and give them a fresh touch from the Spirit of God. Let our hearts and minds dwell on you according to your will. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.