San Diego Psychologist Debbie Hall was asked to write for the new This I Believe series sponsored by National Public Radio (NPR). Her bottom line? “I believe in the power of presence.”
She came to this belief after working with the Red Cross in the aftermath or Hurricane Katrina. She and fellow psychologists were supposed to provide “psychological first aid” to those affected, but what she discovered was that just the mere presence of the psychologists brought relief. She learned that “true presence or ‘being with’ another person carries with it a silent power––to bear witness to a passage, to help carry an emotional burden or to begin a healing process.”
Those who have experienced loss can attest to the healing power of presence when others silently come alongside them. (Job experienced this same comfort the first week his friends sat with him after his incredible loss––before they opened their mouths that is.)
We need that same “presence” on a full-time basis, and God has provided it through the third person of the Trinity––the Holy Spirit.
This is why Jesus said, “But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7).
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (John 14:16)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16)
God spoke to some Old Testament individuals, and a few even saw His glory. During his lifetime, Jesus walked, talked, ate, and interacted with many people. But not until Jesus’s death and resurrection did we have the opportunity to have God with us and in us -- always.
And the work of the Holy Spirit is multifold. He …
Convicts us and the world of sin (John 16:18)
Draws us to the Father (John 6:44; John 15:26; I John 5:6)
Secures our Salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Gives us Power and Love (Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5))
Helps us Pray (Romans 8:26-27)
Teaches us and Reminds us of Christ’s Words (John 14:26)
Helps us to obey (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Sanctifies us (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Counsels us (Isaiah 11:2)
Uniquely equips each believer (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
Gives us Peace, Kindness, Goodness, and other “fruit.” (Galations 5:22-23
The Triune God is not only our creator and savior, but our minute-by-minute counselor and guide. Because of the resurrection, Christians have an opportunity that no one living prior to Christ’s coming had –– to be in continual relationship and communication with God himself.
She came to this belief after working with the Red Cross in the aftermath or Hurricane Katrina. She and fellow psychologists were supposed to provide “psychological first aid” to those affected, but what she discovered was that just the mere presence of the psychologists brought relief. She learned that “true presence or ‘being with’ another person carries with it a silent power––to bear witness to a passage, to help carry an emotional burden or to begin a healing process.”
Those who have experienced loss can attest to the healing power of presence when others silently come alongside them. (Job experienced this same comfort the first week his friends sat with him after his incredible loss––before they opened their mouths that is.)
We need that same “presence” on a full-time basis, and God has provided it through the third person of the Trinity––the Holy Spirit.
This is why Jesus said, “But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7).
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (John 14:16)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16)
God spoke to some Old Testament individuals, and a few even saw His glory. During his lifetime, Jesus walked, talked, ate, and interacted with many people. But not until Jesus’s death and resurrection did we have the opportunity to have God with us and in us -- always.
And the work of the Holy Spirit is multifold. He …
Convicts us and the world of sin (John 16:18)
Draws us to the Father (John 6:44; John 15:26; I John 5:6)
Secures our Salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14)
Gives us Power and Love (Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5))
Helps us Pray (Romans 8:26-27)
Teaches us and Reminds us of Christ’s Words (John 14:26)
Helps us to obey (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Sanctifies us (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Counsels us (Isaiah 11:2)
Uniquely equips each believer (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
Gives us Peace, Kindness, Goodness, and other “fruit.” (Galations 5:22-23
The Triune God is not only our creator and savior, but our minute-by-minute counselor and guide. Because of the resurrection, Christians have an opportunity that no one living prior to Christ’s coming had –– to be in continual relationship and communication with God himself.
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