Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: Everyday Living
Digging for Truth: In the New Testament, there are words that can be a challenge to translate, because they have different senses. One of these words is “paraclete.” Jesus uses the word, paraclete, as a name for the Holy Spirit, as well as for himself. For translating paraclete, the first sense is “helper” or someone who comes along side of us, which is the term we have been using for our Lenten devotions. Another sense of paraclete is translated “advocate” as Jesus and his Spirit pleads and makes intercession for us, because nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:34-35). So, every day the Helper moves along with us to carry our burdens, defend and strengthen us in his mighty and pure love.
Grace for the Heart: Last Sunday was a beautiful day filled with a variety of personal responsibilities. From the time I woke up, I prayed for the Helper to provide all the grace I needed with each task in order to glorify the Lord. Before our worship time began, I went to Publix to pick up food and supplies I had ordered for a celebration of life service that would follow. The items were awkward and heavy, but I knew God would give me the strength and ability I needed to get them to the church. I was using faith, but God still had a lesson for me about my paraclete!
While I was in line, a muscular young man checking out in front of me saw the stuff I had and he began helping me get the items ready for scanning. I thanked him as he left, and I thought what a sweet young man. I went to the parking lot with the cart full and who comes over to me? Yep, this same young man begins loading everything into my vehicle. I said, “You are so kind!” He responded, “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to uphold.” We both laughed and he left. As I got into the car, I said, “Jesus, thank you for sending the help I needed. I feel so loved by you!” I did not specifically pray for another person to help me, but my paraclete knew what I needed and provided. As soon as I got to the church, I was surrounded by an abundance of more help!
Romans 8:26 NLT And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
Challenge: Although we can think we are handling life just fine by ourselves, it is during these times, we may need Jesus’ help mediated to us by the Holy Spirit the most. God wants to reveal his love for us in action. Honestly, the Helper does not want us to live in frustration due to our weaknesses; rather, he wants us to rely on Christ’s wisdom, strength, and help to accomplish what is necessary. God promises to meet our every day needs (Phil 4:19). However, we must pray and ask for help (Matthew 7:7-8).
Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring about everything that involves us. Your blessings and care for us is so precious. May we be quick to understand that although you are orchestrating every aspect of the universe, you are always standing by to help in our weaknesses and times of need. Even when we don’t know specifically what to ask of you, we know you will provided exactly what we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.