The Advocate
Is the word “advocate” the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Holy Spirit? The word “advocate” is defined as someone who publically supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, one who pleads the cause of another. This word never came to mind when I thought of the Holy Spirit until I came across a verse in John chapter 14…
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26”
The Holy Spirit is the Advocate; the supporter, the one who pleads our cause. He was sent by God to govern over our lives and show us the way, which is Jesus (John 14:6). If we invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts, God says that He will be present in times of trouble, doubt, confusion, need, joy, etc.
I came across this verse in a time of confusion; I was seeking understanding, direction, and peace about a looming decision in my life. I wanted to feel God’s hand in this choice, and I needed the words to say. I had been counseled by friends to pray about it, to submit this upcoming decision to God, and to listen for His answer. I was having trouble grasping how to do this, wondering what to even ask of God. I wanted this decision to be supported by Christ, having an outcome that would lead me to closer relationship with Him. When I read John 14:26, I felt God reminding me of the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit in my life. God reminded me through this verse that I have someone always ready to support me and to plead my cause, that in any decision, He is with me.
The Holy Spirit is God internally in you, and He will remind you of the truths God has for you in His word. God says in Galatians 4:6, that because we are His, “God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” We are to call out to God and the Holy Spirit will guide us in every decision and trial, because the Holy Spirit is Christ in US.
Remember that God gave us the gift of His spirit to be with us at all times! Whatever you are going through; whether you are having the best day or the worst day, God tells us in His word that we have an advocate. We have someone to plead our cause and direct our steps, and that is the Holy Spirit.
When we are fearless, God is faithful.
