August 11

I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught”. John 14:25-27 (MSG)

There are all kinds of leavings that take place in our lives.  In some instances we may be the ones who walk, drive, or run away from situations too painful to bear. Or be called to say those difficult goodbyes that tug at our hearts even when we know the parting is right—a new job, a new city, a chance at a brand-new life.

Conversely, there are times when we are the ones left behind—a friend moves on, a lover leaves—taking pieces of your heart with them, leaving only brokenness behind. It happens to all of us and it hurts. 

And yet, we have this comfort, greater than all of our cares—if the whole world should leave us, however, they have to, or will—our Precious Holy Spirit, Comforter, and Friend is with us still! Even Jesus had to leave those He loved deeply and walked with intimately, to return to His Father in heaven. All for our greater good. But Jesus did not leave them, or us, alone. Instead, He sent the Holy Spirit, our Helper, the One Who would walk with us always, leading and guiding us every step of the way.

Oh, dearest one, if your heart is hurting today, in the leaving or the being left, don’t despair. Whatever gap is there, the Holy Spirit will fill it. Whatever longing or loss, He will work it all around for your greater good, as only He can do. 

Don’t be upset, dearly loved one, for just as Jesus promised, through His life in you, He has made you well and whole! Holy Spirit is with you always, teaching, equipping, healing, helping, empowering you, and making it so!

Prayer:

I thank You, Jesus, that You have shown us how to walk in unity and harmony with our Father in Heaven, and with the Holy Spirit—God’s own Spirit—our faithful Companion and Friend. 

Come now, Precious Holy Spirit I pray, lead and guide me into all truth; the truth of who I am to God; the truth of Who He is to me. Whisper into the deepest parts of my heart that I am indeed God’s beloved child.  Enfold me into Your loving care, and into the family of God, where I am accepted in the Beloved. Where I am never forgotten or forsaken. Where I belong.

With a grateful heart, settled in Your love, I pray.