And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:2 NLT

I like to hike and walk in God’s creation. Over the years I have learned that one of the best ways to see things in God’s creation is to observe and pay attention to animals. Most animals have a better sense of smell, hearing, and sight than I do. They have a better grasp of what is happening around them than I do. By paying attention to what they are paying attention to, I see and experience things in God’s creation. Things that were it not for their “intercession” on my behalf, I would have missed out on.

This gives insight into the way God’s Holy Spirit works, and why it is important to pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is initiating in my life. The Holy Spirit is shifting my focus away from all the drama and trauma of a broken world and towards a way of living in this world that is redemptive and hopeful, because of God’s invitation to everyone.

When I gave my life to God through Jesus Christ, I knew I needed to be saved. I knew I needed sin in my life to be dealt with. I knew I wanted to be in a relationship with God. Then, come this massive “bonus” of ongoing help beyond anything I expected or understood. The Holy Spirit became active in my life, helping, comforting, guiding, and teaching me. Oh, and one more thing, The Holy Spirit prays for me before God in ways that are beyond my perception.

The Holy Spirit is giving me the help I need. I experience things in God’s Kingdom that are filled with life. When hard things happen, I have confidence that I am never alone. The help provided by the Holy Spirit is constantly present in my life. I am being tended to. I am being interceded for.

The Holy Spirit is the help we need!  Much of the Holy Spirit’s help on our behalf occurs beyond our own perception. I encourage you to cultivate listening to the Holy Spirit in your own life, and new experiences in God’s Kingdom will grow in you.

-Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries