He is our ever-present help

But the Father will send the Holy Spirit to be with you. 
He will be your Helper. He will come in my name, and he will teach you all things. 
He will help you to remember everything that I have told you.
John 14:26 Easy English

It never fails to bring me joy and amaze me just how much Jesus cares about my day-to-day life. The things that fill my day and fill my mind are of concern to Him. He chooses to concern Himself with the things that concern me, be it small and seemingly inconsequential things or the bigger things that change the trajectory or the quality of my life. For example, I have a small garden of succulents that have been struck by a disease. Some have died, some are dying and some are sick and in need of help. I was concerned about losing them all and I prayed. It gave me peace and hope that Jesus would heal them.

This is a relatively small issue yet Jesus’ response about my succulents was just as timely, tender-hearted, considerate, and as reassuring as His response was when I prayed about my mother’s health. She has been unwell and I was worried. The moment I prayed for her, His peace washed over me and I received assurance that she shall be well. What a good friend I have in Jesus! Last week, I was taking stock of my finances and quickly realised I wasn’t going to be able to do all the things I was planning and hoping to do. Without even having to consciously pray about it, Jesus reminded me of a Bible verse I’d posted a few days earlier:

Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am He; I am He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4 NIV

I felt God saying to me, “I will sustain you. I will carry you.” What a good Father God is! He knows my hopes and dreams. He knows my worries and cares. He knows my plans, but more importantly, He knows the plans he has for me, plans for a future and a hope, plans to prosper me and not harm me (Jeremiah 29:11). Earlier today, I was praying about a big and important decision. I was feeling a little apprehensive and was aware that I’d been placing pressure on myself to move forward and take a step. So, I was praying for guidance. I was praying that I would make the decision based on His purpose and plans for me and not out of fear or desperation or whatever pressure I was feeling. 

I felt that still, quiet voice that I have come to know and love so much say, “Soar. Spread your wings, daughter.” It reminded me of the Bible verse in Isaiah 40:31:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; 
they shall run, and not be weary; 
and they shall walk, and not faint.

What an amazing encourager, guide, and comforter the Holy Spirit is! Where would I be without Jesus? For He is a sustainer, an encourager, a friend, a comforter, and a good leader. If you need sustenance today or guidance, why don’t you ask Him? If you need to run something by someone or some advice, why don’t you tell Him what you need? If you need reassurance, encouragement, or comfort, it is readily available for you. Talk to Jesus; He is waiting for you! 

Love,