Wonderful Counselor

Kelli Baker

Advent Series 2023

Day Seven

Do you have someone you confide in honestly? We need the indwelling Counselor, because unlike counselors we have on earth, Jesus sees our hearts. He can see what we try to conceal to counselors here on earth. He gives us the most priceless gift. When we come to Jesus honestly, he gives us the gift of rest in him. Knowing his Spirit is working inside of us helps us persevere.

In today’s passage, Jesus tells his disciples that once he leaves the Holy Spirit will come and guide them. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that he sent to dwell in us, his disciples. As the Wonderful Counselor, the Spirit guides us. Jesus said that he doesn’t speak on his own authority though. The Spirit speaks only what he hears from the Father.

That should be good news to us, because that means that the Spirit that dwells in us is speaking directly from the Father into us. It requires that we have ears to listen though. We must spend time reading God’s word so we can recognize his truth. As we sit in silence, meditating on God’s word, the Spirit will reveal God’s will for us. But we must be intentional. A counselor doesn’t seek out their clients. When someone needs guidance, they seek out a counselor.

As disciples of Christ, we always need guidance regardless of the season in which we find ourselves. What is holding you back from hearing the Spirit speak? What excuses are you making to not be in God’s word? Ask God to reveal himself to you.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit who speaks your truth and guides us to you. Help us to humble ourselves and seek your guidance through the power of the Spirit. Amen.