by Laura Enslen

“Holy Spirit you are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory God is what our hearts long for. To be overcome by your presence Lord.”

This song, if I was honest, could make me feel uncomfortable in the past. I felt like, in some of the lyrics, we were expecting an experience to happen, or we wanted something for ourselves in this worship time. As I look more closely, I see the words “Your glory God is what our hearts long for.” In a study I recently did, the author states, “The Spirit always points you to Jesus, never to just have an experience, but always to Jesus.” This song is calling upon the power of heaven to work in and through us, for the glory of God!

The Spirit of God in Hebrew is Ruakh-meaning breath, wind, spirit. It is God’s personal presence. In Genesis 1:2 NIV “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” The Spirit was ready to bring about creation. God’s spirit (The Holy Spirit), invisible like breath and wind, brings life, energy, and healing where there was once death, void, and destruction. This same Spirit caused the flood waters to recede in Genesis 8, parted the sea in Exodus 14, empowered Joseph to interpret Pharoah’s dreams, and gives the Prophets messages. In the New Testament, the Spirit comes on Jesus at His baptism, and when Jesus ascends to heaven, He states that He will send the Holy Spirit to come and fill each believer with “power from heaven.” Luke 24:49 NIV.

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 NIV We get to be a part of new creation, and we can allow this same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead to empower us in our daily lives. To serve those around us, to share the gift of Jesus Christ and His mercy and salvation, and to live our lives on purpose for His kingdom. May the Holy Spirit work in each of us this Lenten season and help us take each step forward anticipating the return of our Lord and Savior!

Lord, I ask that you help me to acknowledge and listen to your Holy Spirit, whom you sent to dwell with me as a believer. Help me to listen to the still small voice, allow the Spirit to comfort me, and participate with the Spirit’s work here on earth. Thank you for loving me so much that you made a way for us to be together forever. May I know the breath of life you have breathed into me, and may I share that with those around me. Amen.