Help at every stage

If you have ever done homework with kids, you'll know that there comes a time when they stretch the limits of your memory and ability.  You might have been able to do those sums at one time, but now, you can't help them. With that in mind, let's consider the next question in the catechism which speaks of the help which the Holy Spirit brings to us.

Q37.  How does the Holy Spirit help us?

A. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and understand God's word.

Some things to note:

• Help at all times and in all circumstances

There is never a time when the Holy Spirit says, I can't help you there.  When we are mourning, he brings us comfort.  When we are serving, he equips us with gifts.  When we are lost, he guides us.  When we struggling to pray, he intercedes with us.  When we are reading God's word, he opens our understanding. And sometimes that help is not what we expect or even desire.  He convicts us of sin.  That is never pleasant, but is always for our good.    He doesn't help us to make our life path easy; nor does he help us to do what we want.  He can't help us walk against God's will.  But he is our help, at all times and in all circumstances - even in the midst of a mess of sin that we have made for ourselves.  And in those times, when he helps us to repent, it is always for our good.

• Help means partnership

If you want to help someone, you don't do a thing for them; rather you get alongside them and do it with them. So it is with the Holy Spirit.  He doesn't bypass all that we are; rather he engages and uses all that we are when he convicts us, comforts us, equips us, enlightens us and prays with us.   He amplifies and builds on our natural abilities and talents.  He enlarges our hearts.  He grows our compassion.  He stretches our understanding.

• Honour the Holy Spirit

Thank God for the gift and help of the Holy Spirit.  Let's not neglect all the help that he gives us.