The sweetest lessons on prayer are learned in the valley of suffering, nestled in the arms of the Holy Spirit.
Healing is a journey, even a lifestyle, with no quick fixes because you are not a machine; you are a beautiful person created in the image of God.
In my journey, after forming the habit of practicing His presence, Jesus ushered me into the presence of His Daddy; the Daddy I had longed for all of my life.
Resting neath the Shadow of the Almighty taught me to experience the Breath and heartbeat of the Holy Spirit of God.
Do you ever wonder who the Holy Spirit is? Ever take His presence for granted?
The Holy Spirit is humble, He never exalts Himself but always points us to Jesus. The longer I know Him, the more I realize it will take a lifetime to begin to comprehend the wonder of His character and personality. And all of eternity to truly appreciate His presence and work among us.
There is Comfort and Relief
During suffering, you and I need, yea, long for comfort and relief. The paraklētos or the Holy Spirit of Truth comes alongside to console, strengthen and encourage us during trials and adversity. But did you know He actively intercedes or advocates on your behalf? He does! You are infinitely precious to Him, so He steps between you and danger, battling in heavenly places for you. That means He is always with you, always watching over you.
Jesus said:
“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:16-18).
The Lord was heading towards Calvary; His thoughts were not of Himself but of His disciples and those of us who would follow in their train. He has given us a precious gift – His very own Spirit – so we are never alone and so we always have One who can guide us and teach us how to live.
You are infinitely precious to the Holy Spirit, so He steps between you and danger, battling in heavenly places for you.
Jesus Will Mend Your Broken Pieces
As a child, I felt a bond of sympathy with Humpty Dumpty. His terrible fall left him shattered into hundreds of pieces; I, too, had been shattered into hundreds of pieces. The result of Humpty’s brokenness? He was discarded as worthless.
As an adult, pondering this nursery rhyme, I thought, “even the King’s horses and King’s men can’t (or won’t) put me together again.” I sank into despair, convinced there was no resolution for a throwaway person like myself.
Anxiety in the heart of a person weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad (Pro 12:25). I habitually listened to negative thoughts and accusations of the enemy who sought to efface the beauty of Jesus from my life. Because of not experiencing safety as a child, I thought, “If I can only be safe, everything will be fine.” As safety became my focus, I grew weaker.
The song Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus began to bubble in my heart and overflow out of my lips. As I turned my focus back on Jesus, He bid me to come apart and rest in His presence. As I made that a habit, I learned to hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, whispering words of comfort from Scripture to me.
When my heart was breaking, I rested in Him. When I had no words to pray, I rested in His presence.
It was enough; He knew what I needed and He was praying for me.
Although the King’s horses and men couldn’t help me, I began to understand I didn’t need to worry. My King’s desire wasn’t to simply put the broken pieces of my old heart back together; He wanted to heal me from the inside out, bringing transformation where I could soar in freedom and joy.
He bid me to come apart and rest in His presence.
Dear Heart,
If you don’t know what words to pray, do not lose heart. Give thanks for both Jesus and the Holy Spirit are praying for you.
Ask Jesus to give you words to express the longing locked deep within your heart.
Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of Wisdom and knows how to keep you safe. When He speaks, respond to His voice. Flee into His presence; there, you will find a haven of safety as you rest beneath His protective, comforting care.
Abba Father began a good work in your life. He desires to continue the process of healing you and transforming you into the image of Jesus by the power of His Spirit.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation… (2 Co 1:3).
