You're not alone (3)

Jesus didn't leave his disciples to fend for themselves. And the help they got from the Holy Spirit wasn't just for them back then. It's for us, today, too. The Holy Spirit has names by the dozen; 'counsellor' is one of them. In the New King James Bible, it's 'helper'. In the Amplified Bible, it's 'intercessor, advocate, strengthener'.

In the original Greek, the Holy Spirit is referred to as 'parakletos', a combination of two words: para, which means 'alongside of' and kletos, which means 'one who's designated to you'. The Holy Spirit has been assigned to us - to come alongside us. He is the presence of Jesus with and in us. The disciples needed this encouragement to make it through, not only just after Jesus had left but through the rest of their lives. They had seen Jesus crucified, and in the end only one of them (John) went on to die a natural death; the rest were martyred. Jesus wanted them, and us, to know: 'You'll never face the future without my help.'

In John Chapters 14 to 16, there is a lot more detail about the Holy Spirit and what he does. Have a read. Wherever our journey leads, he will be there by our side.



So what now? Just like the Holy Spirit's been assigned to come alongside you and help you, ask the Holy Spirit to show you who you can help - maybe a charity you admire, or a pastoral team at church you could join, or just a friend who needs encouragement right now.





— SCRIPTURE —

'The Holy Spirit - he will teach you everything.' John 14:26 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

1 Sam 18:1-20:29, Matt 27:45-56, Ps 68:19-35 , Pro 22:6