What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

What does the Holy Spirit actually do? The Holy Spirit has perhaps been the most mysterious person I’ve ever met. When someone is mysterious, they can also be scary. But how do we trust and surrender to someone we don’t know?

The Bible has a lot to say about who the Holy Spirit is and how he walks with us. In the book of Acts alone, you’ll discover him giving power, helping the disciples remember and teach, softening hearts, telling people where to go, and even transporting people.

However, it was today’s passage that brought me to my knees. The Holy Spirit comforts!

I like to think of myself as an empathetic, compassionate, comforting person. When someone cries, I scoot closer with tissues. I strive to think of all the right words to say.

This isn’t wrong, but I realized I was relying on myself.

I thought I was the source of the comfort. But my comfort can only do so much and I ended up burnt out and prideful. I also didn’t leave room for the Holy Spirit to comfort people. Instead of giving my husband or friend space to go to God with their sorrow and receive truth and encouragement from him, I was encouraging them to come to me.

It isn’t that we shouldn’t try to comfort, encourage, or counsel people. Rather, encouragement, teaching, miracles—all of these are gifts of the Holy Spirit and come through him. (Romans 12:6-8, I Corinthians 12:7-10) We get to use them in submission to him, rather than depending on our own strength.

This is convicting, but also relieving. Imagine how much more effective and joyous it will be to care for people through the power of the Holy Spirit. His capacity and knowledge are so much greater than ours.

Holy Spirit, thank you for your help. Please help me to listen to you and obey you, and not take things into my own hands. I trust you with my friends, family, ministry, and plans.

Throughout this day: Spend some time in prayer, thanking God for comfort you have received from the Holy Spirit. Ask him to use you to minister to others, in HIS power, not your own.