There’s something stirring within, a gentle knocking on the door of our hearts. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit inviting us into a deeper relationship.
If you’ve ever felt like God was distant, or like you’re going through the motions of faith without experiencing His presence, then this is for you. It’s time to reintroduce ourselves to the Holy Spirit—the divine Helper who was sent to be with us always.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
At the church where I serve, we are unapologetically Trinitarian. That means we believe in one God who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, yet distinct, and they work in perfect unity.
Often, we speak about God the Father and Jesus the Son, but what about the Holy Spirit? Jesus himself promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent to us after His ascension (Acts 1:5), not just to visit, but to dwell within us, guiding, teaching, and empowering us.
So why do so many believers neglect or ignore Him?
Learned Helplessness—A Lesson from Lobsters
Believe it or not, we can learn something about ourselves from lobsters.1
In their natural habitat, lobsters are in constant competition for food and shelter. When two lobsters fight, the winner is flooded with serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical—while the loser experiences a depressive reaction, making it more likely to lose future battles. Over time, the defeated lobster stops trying, settling for a life on the fringes – isolated and alone.
This is called learned helplessness—and it’s something we experience too. After enough struggles, disappointments, and losses, we begin to expect failure. We stop striving for more, settling for a passive rather than an active personal faith.
But here’s the good news: Jesus never meant for us to be helpless.
The Promise of a Helper
Jesus told His disciples:
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
John 14v16-17
Jesus promised that even though He was physically leaving, He would send another Helper—the Holy Spirit—to be with us. This means we are never truly alone.
The Greek word for “Helper” here is Parakletos, which can also be translated as Comforter, Advocate, or Counselor. But at its core, it means one who comes alongside. The Holy Spirit walks with us, teaching, guiding, and empowering us for the life God has called us to live.
How the Holy Spirit Works in Our Lives
- Illumination – The Holy Spirit helps us understand Scripture and brings God’s truth to mind exactly when we need it (John 14:26). Ever had a verse pop into your head at just the right moment? Or you suddenly understand something in scripture in a new and meaningful way? That’s the Spirit at work.
- Witness – The Holy Spirit testifies to the reality of Jesus, strengthening our faith when we doubt (John 15:26). If your faith feels dry, ask the Spirit to refresh your heart and reveal Jesus to you in a new way.
- Guidance – The Holy Spirit leads us into truth, convicting us of sin and showing us the path of righteousness (John 16:13). In a world full of confusion, we have a divine Guide who never leads us astray.
Sensitivity and Obedience
To fully experience the Holy Spirit’s presence, we must be sensitive to Him. Paul warns in Ephesians 4v30 not to grieve the Holy Spirit through bitterness, anger, or unkindness. Like a dove, the Spirit is gentle and easily disturbed by the sin in our lives.
We must also be obedient. Walking with the Spirit isn’t about trying harder; it’s about yielding to His leading (Gal 5v16). Just like learning to ride a bike, it takes trust and practice. At first, it feels unnatural, but as we follow His voice, we begin to move in step with Him.
A Challenge for the Week
Here’s my challenge to you: Each morning when you wake up, simply say, “Hello, Holy Spirit. What do you want to do today?”
Invite Him into your day, your conversations, and your decisions. When you do, you’ll begin to experience a faith that is alive, dynamic, and filled with His power.
The Holy Spirit isn’t a distant force—He is God, living in you. Let’s welcome Him back into our lives today.
Come, Holy Spirit.
Grace and Peace
M
- this example is adapted from Jordan Petersen’s 12 Rules for Life ↩︎
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