Introduction

1.          Before Jesus went to the Cross to die for the sins of the world, He met with His disciples in the upper room.

2.         The word “comforter” in Greek (paraklete) simply means “one called alongside.”

3.         The word “comfort” comes from two Latin words — “cum” meaning “with” and “fortis” meaning “strength.”

4.         The Holy Spirit works according to certain basic principles. 

I.     God’s Provision of His Presence

1.      The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ.

            Jesus said, “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (Jn 16:14).

a.          “He shall glorify me” said Jesus.

b.         “For he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (Jn 16:14b).

c.          What is God’s provision for us in times of loneliness?

(1)        During our times of loneliness, the Holy Sprit is with us.

(2)        The example of Paul:  He said, “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel” (Phil 1:12). 

2.      The Holy Spirit teaches us the Word

            Jesus said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…” (Jn 16:13a). 

a.          The early believers.

b.         God’s people returned from exile.

(1)        Psalm 107 describes the plight: adversity (v.2), trouble and distress (vv.10, 26, 39), labour (v.12), affliction (vv.17, 41), destruction (v.20), oppression (v.39), and sorrow (v.39).

(2)        They needed God’s help.

            They called on the Lord because of circumstances beyond their control.

(a)        The Lord delivered them “out of their distresses” (Ps 107:19b).

(b)        Psalm 107:20 says, “He sent his word, and healed them.”

c.          Jeremiah had a similar problem.

He had to work with the people who are against him.  He was very sad.

(1)        Where did he receive strength for his ministry?

(2)        Jeremiah 15:16 gives us the answer.

            “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:…” 

3.      The Holy Spirit assists us when we pray.

            “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (v.26).

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Roman 8:26, 27).

a.          If you are a child of God, at this time, Jesus is interceding for you (Rom 8:34).

b.         When we pray, the Holy Spirit takes our requests to the Father and intercedes for us (Rom 8:26).

c.          So, we have both the Son and the Holy Spirit praying for us.  Both the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with us (Matt 28:20; Rom 8:9). 

II.    Out Response to God’s Provision

In Psalm 37, David encourages us to trust God and to wait on Him.  He gave one negative instruction “Fret not” (vv.1, 7, 8) and four positive instructions:

ü                “Trust in the Lord” (v.3),

ü                “Delight in the Lord” (v.4),

ü                “Commit thy way unto the Lord” (v.5)

ü                “Rest in the Lord” (v.7).

1.          “Fret not” (v.1).  The word “fret” means “to burn”, “to get heated up.”

2.         “Trust in the Lord” (v.3).  The meaning of the word “trust”.

            The word “trust” does not mean an unfounded optimism that everything will turn out well.          It means a deep, abiding reliance on the God who keeps His promises.

a.          Testimony of Paul:  Paul says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God (v.6).

            And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

b.         Testimony of Peter:  Peter says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pet 5:7).

3.         “Delight thyself also in the LORD” (Ps 37:4).

The Lord “shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Ps 37:4b).

a.          Does the Lord really give us the desires of our hearts?

F                  Solomon

F                  Blind Bartimaeus

F                  The dying thief

b.         Our God is generous.

4.         “Commit thy way unto the LORD” (Ps 37:5).

a.          That is, let God be in charge of your life.

b.         “He shall bring it to pass” (Ps 37:5b).

5.         “Rest in the LORD” (Ps 37:7a).

a.          It means to trust Him and allow Him to act according to His own time.

b.         Beloved, God is with us.

---------------------------------------

Top of Page