How the Spirit providentially encourages us when we’re burdened
ChatGPTAs you look back on times of affliction, do you remember being suddenly, inexplicably encouraged to persevere? This is what the Holy Spirit does in our lives.
Sometimes he does it through people, an apt Scripture, or a thought he plants and grows in us.
In the 17th-century classic The Mystery Of Providence, John Flavel writes:
"Providence gives great assistance to the work of the Spirit upon the soul, by ordering, supporting, relieving and cheering means, to prop up and comfort the soul when it is over-burdened and ready to sink in the depths of troubles" (p. 71).
Yesterday, a business worry began deepening in me. It festered overnight and reintroduced itself to me this morning. It sapped my desire to read the Bible or write the devotion I planned for the week.
The short biblical section I did read over breakfast was in Colossians chapter 1. It knocked straight into my discouragement. Beginning in verse 9, Paul says the Spirit gives us wisdom and understanding of God's will so we can:
1) bear fruit through our works
2) grow in the knowledge of God
3) draw on his strength to patiently endure
The reminder to endure is what I needed (why do I keep forgetting?) Verse 12 builds on it: "and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light."
This verse was an additional reminder to not grit my teeth while I endure, but to do it joyfully. Patiently.
If you look back, you'll probably see the Spirit has encouraged and strengthened you many times in your life. He'll do it again and again, until he brings you home.
The thought of our heavenly home also filled my heart this morning. Where there are no clouds or darkness. Where we'll have no worries. Where this burdened life will fade away.
Lord, help me joyfully thank you. Help me endure to the end.
Drawing on him,
Tom Harper
Founder, BiblicalLeadership.com
LinkedIn profile | My books
 | Tom Harper is publisher of BiblicalLeadership.com and executive chairman of Networld Media Group, a business-to-business publisher and event producer. He has written five books, including Servant Leader Strong: Uniting Biblical Wisdom and High-Performance Leadership (DeepWater Books, 2019) as well as the Christian business fable Through Colored Glasses and its sequel Inner Threat (DeepWater, 2022). Learn More » |
More on Leadership Devotions
- Why does God often wait until the last minute to providentially help us? (by Tom Harper)
- When God’s providential ways surprise us (by Tom Harper)
- Turning weakness into power (by Tom Harper)
- Reaching for deeper humility (by Tom Harper)
