Most Christians will say, ‘God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit,' but their mind’s eye don’t ‘see’ a live being for the Holy Spirit, like they see Jesus or God. Visualizing Jesus for the most part, is quite easy. He was a human who walked the earth, even while being fully God.
TRYING TO PICTURE GOD
God is harder to picture because we know He is so vast and all encompassing. Our minds struggle with a clear image. Some may picture a very wise man, human form with pure white hair, perhaps a beard, and this ‘male image’ with strength and wisdom. Others struggle with putting any human qualities in their picture of God, even though the Bible clearly tells us we are made in God’s image. So realistically He is going to look human!
PICTURING THE HOLY SPIRIT
But when we cross the line to visualizing the Holy Spirit, many people falter, myself included, although I know with certainty that He is absolutely not a ‘thing or an it’! He has human qualities just as God the Father and God the Son.
I read a book years ago who described the Holy Spirit as a human, but in a way you couldn’t see his feet… and he sort of floated through the air. I always liked that picture… It presented the image as being a ‘friendly kind of ghost’ who flits about here and there…. without ever settling.
But I wonder if even that is accurate. I have absolutely no picture in my mind to describe it, but I know that the Holy Spirit lives within me! Now that’s hard to describe---particularly when you think in 'human' terms, and especially to a non-believer!
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FULLY GOD
But the Holy Spirit is way more than some ethereal wisp we can’t know. He is fully God, fully present and deeply personal. The Bible lists some of the ‘tasks’ set for the Him. Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the ‘fruits of the Spirit.’ Peace, joy, love, gentleness, kindness and more are available to us, if we let the Spirit transform us.
Many will say they have no spiritual gifts and shy away from serving in any capacity, because they feel inadequate. Yet, that is another of the tasks of the Holy Spirit. It is He who gives these gifts to each of us. So, certainly if you’re a Believer, and have accepted Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells you, and offers gifts.
DO WE REFUSE HIS GIFTS?
Sometimes we are reluctant to accept the gifts He offers because we don’t want the ‘challenge or the responsibility’ of any kind of service —or servanthood. He empowers us to carry out whatever 'gift' we've been given.
Christ told his followers he would be sending a Counselor in his place. This is the Holy Spirit. This means He offers wisdom and guidance, knowledge and fear of the Lord, among more.
A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Perhaps you’ve had the moment during a worship service when you felt ‘washed’ with something or had ‘Holy Ghost bumps’ and couldn’t define it. I love when that happens because I am reminded that the Holy Spirit is totally within me and I’ve felt him!
In an odd way, I think about a woman carrying an unborn child. The baby kicks, sucks his thump, gets the hiccups and shifts positions! Momma can feel this and it brings immense joy, and the little being inside her reminds her he’s there, alive and well! It’s certainly not the same, but similar.
THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS US
The Holy Spirit within us has the capability of transforming us into the people God wants us to be. He’s more than a Dove, more than a Tongue of Fire. He is the embodiment of God! He is God, just as Jesus is, only in a different form!
He wants a relationship. He desires to hear us talk to/with Him and address Him, just as we would God, or Jesus! They are three in one!
BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD
Take a moment and 'be still and know that He is God.' Invite the Holy Spirit to become 'real' to you. Even if you can't 'sense' Him immediately, keep reaching out and I don't believe you will be disappointed!
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