Advocate

The Power of the Holy Spirit

I grew up not understanding the role of the Holy Spirit. As a Catholic at the time, the only thing I remember learning about Him was when I received the sacrament of Confirmation and even then, I don’t think I understood His role in my life. When I was confirmed in the early 1960’s, we referred to the Holy Spirit as the Holy Ghost and that thought brought fear and trepidation, not encouragement and guidance as I understand His role in my life and faith today.

Today I understand that the Holy Spirit guides me in my walk with the Lord. Although I can call on Him when I need guidance, He’s not “on call” like some kind of genie in a bottle to petition for my wants according to my own will. It’s just the opposite. He’s there to remind me that I am a child of God, guides me to what the Father wants me to know and reminds me to turn back to God when I’m faced in the wrong direction through sinful disobedience. He also gently guides me to God’s word when I’m confused or troubled.

I received the gift of the Holy Spirit when I accepted the Lord, Jesus, into my life. I pray that I will always heed His words, guidance, and direction and that I can discern His voice amid all the earthly voices around me. He never leaves me even if I feel far away from His truth and guidance which sometimes happens. But I know that when Jesus gave me His Spirit, He did so with a love stronger than any I’ve ever known.

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

John 14:26

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.