Better is One Day in Your House than a Thousand Elsewhere
The Holy Spirit is Not a Thing, but a Person
Abiding with the Holy Spirit
Abiding with the Holy Spirit is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. In John 15:4, Jesus instructs, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” This abiding is made possible through the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers. The presence of the Holy Spirit allows for a continuous, intimate relationship with God, enabling believers to bear spiritual fruit and grow in their faith. Abiding with the Holy Spirit involves surrendering to His guidance, trusting in His wisdom, and allowing His power to work within us.
To abide with the Holy Spirit means to cultivate a lifestyle of constant connection and reliance on Him. Galatians 5:16 reminds us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” This verse highlights the importance of daily living in step with the Spirit, making conscious decisions that align with His will. By doing so, believers can experience the fullness of life that God intends, marked by peace, joy, and righteousness. Abiding with the Holy Spirit is not a passive state but an active pursuit of God’s presence and purpose in every aspect of life.
“Presence-ing” with the Holy Spirit
“Presencing” with the Holy Spirit involves being aware of and acknowledging His presence in our lives. In Psalm 139:7-10, David reflects on the omnipresence of God, stating, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” This scripture underscores the reality that the Holy Spirit is always with us, no matter where we go. To presence with the Holy Spirit means to recognize this truth and to live in a state of awareness and responsiveness to His presence.
This practice of “presencing” can transform our daily lives, bringing a sense of peace and purpose. It involves setting aside time for prayer, worship, and meditation on God’s Word, creating space to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice. As we do so, we become more attuned to His guidance and promptings. Isaiah 30:21 promises, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” By intentionally “presencing” with the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to His direction, leading to a more fulfilling and Spirit-led life.
Communing with the Holy Spirit
Communing with the Holy Spirit is about developing a deep, personal relationship with Him. 2 Corinthians 13:14 expresses the desire for believers to experience “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.” This fellowship, or koinonia, implies an intimate, shared life with the Holy Spirit. Through communion, we share our hearts with Him and receive His love, comfort, and guidance in return. This relationship is characterized by a continual dialogue, where we speak to the Holy Spirit and listen for His response.
To commune with the Holy Spirit is to invite Him into every area of our lives. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” This means engaging with the Holy Spirit not just in moments of formal prayer, but throughout our daily activities. By doing so, we build a strong, personal connection with Him that impacts every aspect of our lives. Communing with the Holy Spirit brings us into a closer relationship with God, helping us to understand His will and experience His presence more deeply.
The Holy Spirit is Not a Thing, but a Person
Understanding the Holy Spirit as a person, not merely a force or thing, is crucial for developing a meaningful relationship with Him. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “Helper” in John 14:26, saying, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” This designation emphasizes the personal nature of the Holy Spirit, who teaches, reminds, and helps us. Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person means acknowledging His emotions, will, and intellect, which are integral to His role in our lives.
The personal nature of the Holy Spirit is further illustrated in Ephesians 4:30, which warns, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” This verse indicates that the Holy Spirit has feelings and can experience grief, something a mere force cannot do. By understanding the Holy Spirit as a person, we can interact with Him on a deeper level, forming a relationship that involves mutual communication and love. This perspective helps us to honor and revere the Holy Spirit, recognizing His vital role in our spiritual journey.
Better is One Day in Your House than a Thousand Elsewhere…
In Psalm 84:10, the psalmist declares, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” This verse encapsulates the longing for God’s presence and the incomparable joy found in communion with Him.
The topics of abiding, “presencing,” and communing with the Holy Spirit all point to this profound truth: the presence of God, made real to us through the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest desires. By embracing the Holy Spirit as a person and cultivating a daily relationship with Him, we can experience the truth of this scripture and the profound peace and joy that come from being in God’s house.
