Do You Listen To Your Counselor?

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. John 14:16 (CSB)

The greek philosopher Socrates believed he had a guiding spirit of reason. The Stoics believed every person had within them a “fragment of God” that enabled them to live a good life. The Eastern Woodland Indians of the United States believed they had a guardian spirit which gave them courage and strength. All of these were grasping at a truth that Jesus would bring.

For the Christian believers Jesus promised an amazing gift. Through the third Person of the Trinity, through the Holy Spirit, every believer would have direct contact and guidance from God. Jesus called Him a Counselor. A good counselor gives guidance, advice, encouragement, and teaches us to follow truth.

Some call this “inner knowing” intuition, wisdom, common sense, or a sixth sense. The Bible tells Christians that we have at hand every day in every hour a Spirit within us that will guide us into truth keeping us on the right path and away from danger.

I have long come to rely upon the Holy Spirit. In part I believe this is because of my afflictions. When you are weak, sick, downtrodden, and recognize you are in serious need of help, it opens you up to listening for that voice of wisdom and guidance.

You may ask: How do I know I am hearing from God instead of just myself or some other source? One way to guarantee that you are hearing from God is to read the Bible, for the Spirit of God will never tell you to do something contrary to the correctly understood word of God. The Bible keeps you safe, and over time you will know His voice and sense His presence more and more.

Prayer: Dear Lord, each day is an opportunity to hear Your voice and follow Your guidance in our lives. Help us to be discerning, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Karlton Douglas

Copyright 2017