Dear Holy Spirit

🔥 18 | My Paraclete

Dear Holy Spirit,

You know what, since I grew up in a religious environment, I had this misconception that God is constantly angry with me, like not just when I commit a sin, but even when I'm not doing anything bad necessarily.

I had this picture of God frowning, crossing His arms at me, from His throne above.

But You know what? I thank the Lord because none of that is true at all.

I am fully aware of the justification I received when Jesus shed His blood on the cross 2000 years ago.

Because of the sacrifice of Christ, I am now blameless, holy and most of all--I am okay with the Father, I am okay with You.

Of course, I'm not implying You are okay when I sin. What I mean is, thank Jesus because I now have the right to call God not just Lord, but Abba Father.

That's why I thank You today, Holy Spirit. Once again, You reminded me that You don't hate me. In fact, You are for me and You are rooting for my progress!

You refreshed my soul, allowing me to remember the truth of Your word. That You are my Companion, my faithful Friend, my Paraclete.

So, everytime I have to deal with overwhelming emotions, with the pressure that comes from being called, with life's challenges--I do not have to hide my true feelings and cover up my insecurities in prayer.

Holy Spirit, I can be honest with You. I can voice out my frustrations like how the Psalmists wrote their complaints. I can show You my sorrow like how the Prophet Jeremiah weep for the Israelites. I can be real with You like how Jesus struggled when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. I can come to You without any pretensions. Holy Spirit, with You, I can be me.

I realized right at this moment as I'm typing these words, Holy Spirit, that it's extra difficult to be in the process of sanctification when I cover up my sharp edges. It's like I'm adding unnecessary burdens to myself of hiding the very areas I should open up to You. How could I grow if I don't confess to You the things I'm struggling with? How could I be more like Jesus when I can't humble myself enough to acknowledge my shortcomings?

You desire me to grow into Christ-likeness so dearly. I can't afford to compromise my progress just because I can't be completely honest.

That is why starting today, Holy Spirit, I'll try once again. To tell You what I truly feel, what I really think, what I deeply want, what I competely fear, and what I greatly dream.

Not just because it's for my own good. But ultimately because You are my Friend, my Paraclete.

You deserve to have me, all of me.

As I offer myself to You in prayer, whether or not I am in good condition, may You be pleased knowing that I trust You enough to handle me, to comfort me, to teach me, and to renew me.

I'm looking forward for more learnings with You, my Paraclete!