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A friend of mine is coming down to visit me, and I am beyond excited to see him. I can’t wait to spend all of our awake moments together. He is the greatest friend a man could have. The promised visit has stirred up joy in my heart since the initial phone call.
When he visits, we always make the best memories. My soul comes to life when we sit and talk, my joy is restored, and my testimony is encouraged. He literally tells me the truth without hesitation, and when I need a good firm talking to, he does not shy away from confrontation. What’s crazy is how much he loves Jesus. He always talks about him and makes him out to be the most compassionate person you could ever meet. I always fall more in love with Jesus when my best friend comes to visit.
“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.”
John 16:7 ESV
Yes, my friend is the Holy Spirit. I just wanted to write out the raw emotions I feel when I experience His presence and give the same language I would when I meet up with an old friend on this earth. The unmitigated or absolute Joy He brings me is breathtaking. He is promised. He is sure.
He is every day fulfilling the final words Jesus left us with before ascending. It is for my advantage (a condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position.) It is best if Jesus leaves and Holy Spirit comes. What? God in the flesh had to submit to the limitation of humans. He could not be everywhere all the time. He had to dwell in Israel and set aside His omnipresence. But God the Spirit is the promised helper, and Jesus knew it would be more favorable and put us in a better position to experience His power if He sent His Spirit than to stay on earth.
“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.” John 16:13 (ESV)
This is why my joy is complete. The promise is being fulfilled all day, every day. I find light in the darkness of my day through His gentle whispers. I hear authoritative commands wrapped in compassion and grace coming from the throne room via the Spirit. I hear of the things to come as I yield to His convictions early in the morning. He (Spirit) always talks about Jesus. He always gives me more images of what He looks like, what He sounds like, what His heart is like, and how much He loves me.
“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.” John 16:14-15 (ESV)
Holy Spirit is my daily unmitigated joy because His promise of a visit isn’t conditional. He bought a ticket one morning to come see me, and not only that, He stayed and now resides in my bodily temple. His promised Visit is being reassured every day as I find Him faithfully waiting to have breakfast with me. He guides me in my journals, draws out Scripture swords I need for the day’s battle, stirs up patience for my children, arouses love for my bride, creates a pure heart for worship, invites me into my neighbors’ homes, gathers friends who can sharpen me, and constantly points His divine finger at every manifestation of the Father.
Enjoy the promised God who Jesus said would dwell in us. He is amazing. I love him.
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV)
Josh Bramos is the Worship Pastor at CityRev Church in Pembroke Pines Florida. He is a songwriter, worship leader/pastor, and founder of Village Hymns. He is passionate about connecting people to Christ through worship and community. He and his wife Makenzie live in South Florida with their four children.
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