No Greater Privilege

No Greater Privilege
By: Pastor Mark White

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate
to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth." John 14:16-17

On Facebook, I asked the question of my friends and family: "When has God really felt close?"
Many said that they felt Him in those moments of revelation that came from pressing into God's Word and His kingdom; others said it was when He was working in them and through them for the benefit of those around them.

Still, others said that it was the way that He comforted them after a season of correction or when they learned that God isn't angry at them, but that He really loved them. Many said they felt closest to God in the middle of the storms of their lives…they felt God's presence when their son was in an accident or felt His strength when they were separated from their loved ones for an extended period of time.

Some said they felt God closest in seasons of desperation, while others felt it was when God showed them a special song at just the right moment or the beauty in an Arizona sunrise.
Most said they felt close to God in a thousand different and 'small' ways, and some said that even in those moments they didn't 'feel' Him close, just knowing He was with them brought them immense comfort.

As believers, we know that God is always with us. From the very beginning, we find God walking with Adam and Eve in the garden - to the end, we find Him in the New Jerusalem living with the redeemed.

And in those moments in between, we see God interacting with His people, leading with a pillar by day and a fire by night in the OT and by His Holy Spirit in the NT.
The Holy Spirit of God is with us in a very personal and intimate way–comforting us in challenging times, teaching us His ways, and enabling us to serve the Lord. There is no greater privilege than to know that God is with us.