The Holy Spirit and You

Romans 8:9-17 How many of us have waited for the results of a decision or test and have been so sure the answer would be bad news that we began to prepare for the worst, even to the point of packing our bags. Sometimes we want to ask for something and are so sure that the answer will be no that we never even ask. We can even create such a picture of rejection in our minds that we began to hate the person that we have never even approached. The doubt, confusion and fear will never come from the Lord. Sometimes we’re tempted to think that any package or piece of mail that comes with our name on it, whether we ordered it or not, carries with it an obligation to act on it. If we didn’t invite it or incur the debt — we don’t have to open it. The same is true about the thoughts and temptations that come into our mind. You are not obligated to go there. When we ask Jesus to come into our hearts, God the Holy Spirit comes to live inside us. He does some very valuable things in us and for us. One of the first things He does for us is, as our Scripture tells us in verse 16, that He testifies with our spirit that we are the children of God. It is a deep down inside you, assurance that He is there, that He loves you and, and your relationship with Him is established and sound. It’s a “knowing that you know.” If for some reason you don’t have that assurance, you need to take the time alone with Him or with Him and someone who will pray with you. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and give you the assurance you need. Meditate on Him and His love for you. Spend whatever time it takes. Remember it is not a process of earning anything, it is a process of letting Him tear down walls that we have skillfully and often unknowingly built. It is not talking Him into loving you, He already does that, unconditionally. When you “know that you know", His next job is to teach you as you read and study God’s Word.