The Spirit of Truth

John 16: 7–15 (ESV)

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.


Explanation:

Driving on the road when it is foggy can be a tricky task. The lack of visibility can make it challenging to gauge conditions on the road, and there is always the potential that you could misjudge all sorts of things when driving under foggy conditions. One of my vehicles is equipped with fog lights, which assist with making the road a bit more visible. I make sure to use this feature every time fog is present.

From my experience, when I choose to live my life without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I find that my view can get a bit muddled, just like when I drive on a foggy day. Often things like my perspective on God and others, the way I view sin and its impact on my life, and the gravity of my insecurities are all engulfed in a fog that limits my ability to see them as the Holy Spirit would want me to.

Just as I must engage the fog lights on my car, I must engage with the Holy Spirit for all these things to be properly seen. These are just a few examples of how the truth of the Spirit works in and through our lives. Our own flesh, satan, and other factors can fog up our minds and hearts. The Holy Spirit, our Helper, wants to point us to truth. To point us back to what Jesus spoke of. To convict us of the death that sin can bring to our lives. To show us what new life we are offered in His daily mercies. To teach us the true ways of God that are outside of our own ability. To give us perspective on the temporal life we live: that our hope is not in what this world offers, but in the eternal life we will one day share with God. To give us a heart of worship for a God who is worthy of our praise.

Friends, if you are experiencing what seems like fog in the midst of life, don’t waste another second remaining in that place. Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart and mind. He delights in being your Helper. Let Him do just that.


Application:

1.What might “fogginess” look like in your life?

2.What things feel a bit foggy to you right now?

3.Why must we seek the Spirit of truth and not our own truths?

4.Why does the Holy Spirit want to be YOUR Helper?


Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I DESPERATELY need You. Help me see my desperation right now in this moment. I do not want to waste another second living without Your help. Life can get pretty foggy at times, and I know that You have given me Your Spirit to guide me into all truth. Speak to me today, Holy Spirit. Teach me the ways of God, and lead me in the way that is everlasting. I love You, Holy Spirit. Amen.