Verse: Ephesians 1:13-14
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.
Devotion
Have you watched the TV show Alone. They take a group of people and drop them off individually in a remote location with only a few items and they have to survive for months! The last person who doesn’t give up wins a lot of money. I feel like, in the last year, we all have been playing this game with no big prize at the end except for a return to some normalcy.
Are you feeling alone? You don’t have to be living alone to feel alone. Sometimes living with others who don’t understand what you are feeling makes you feel alone. Maybe you are dealing with difficult issues but your friends tell you to get over it. You just need someone to turn to. Maybe you are going through a time of not feeling close to God or not hearing His voice.
The scripture today is the second part of the good news that Jesus brought to us. He came and died for our sins and he rose again to show us that we will have live everlasting with Him forever. Then He said that, when He leaves, He will send The Comforter, The Holy Spirit, to earth to be with believers. Paul says that when you believe, you are marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. That is such good news!
You are not alone. God hears your prayers. Jesus is alive interceding for you in heaven. And the Holy Spirit is with you here on earth to be close to you and to comfort you. He will guide you in all things. Have you had those times after praying for something important to you where you get a thought that seems somewhat random? Or out of the blue, someone calls you and wants to tell you something that fits exactly into the question you had? That is the Holy Spirit at work.
And He has gifts for you. He will give you wisdom and discernment and prayers for healing and more. These are gifts to help others around you in need (1Co 12). This is another way to feel less alone and more connected with others.
So if you are struggling with loneliness or feeling separated from God and others, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to come and be with you and comfort you. As you feel his warmth and closeness, ask for a gift from him to help others in need. You will be amazed at where these prayers will lead over time.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your amazing love for us. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth and dying as a payment for my sins. And thank you, Holy Spirit, for coming to be with us while we are here on earth. Comfort us while we feel alone or are struggling with problems. Give us your gifts to help us navigate these issues and to help others around us. We never have to be alone with you by our side.
Author: Brad Dunn
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