February 12

Morning

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. — 2 Cor 1:5 BSB

Here’s a blessed truth: the Ruler of Providence holds a set of scales. In one side, He places His people’s trials, and in the other, He places their consolations. When trials are light, you’ll find comfort is light too. But when trials are heavy, God’s comfort is just as weighty. When the storm clouds gather, the light of His presence shines even brighter. When the night grows dark and the tempest is near, our Heavenly Captain draws closer to His crew.

It’s a wonderful reality that when we are most downcast, we are often most lifted up by the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because trials create more space in our hearts for God’s comfort. Great hearts are shaped by great difficulties. Trouble digs deep, making more room for consolation. God enters our hearts, and when He finds them full of worldly comforts, He breaks them down, making room for more of His grace. The lower we go in humility, the more grace we are able to receive.

Another reason why we often find the most joy in our troubles is that it’s during these times we are closest to God. When life is easy and the barn is full, we tend to live without much thought of God. But when we lose our comforts, we are drawn back to Him. We cry out from the depths, and our prayers are more sincere. Troubles bring us to God, and being near to Him is the truest happiness. So, dear troubled believer, don’t fret over your heavy burdens—they are simply the forerunners of God’s great mercies.

Evening

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— — John 14:16 BSB

Before the coming of His Son, God the Father revealed Himself to believers of old, and He was known to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty. Then, when Jesus came, the blessed Son became the joy of His people. And after Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit took on the primary role in the lives of believers, His power gloriously displayed at Pentecost and beyond. Today, the Holy Spirit is our Immanuel—God with us—living in and among His people, giving life, guidance, and strength.

But are we fully aware of His presence? We can’t control how He works; He moves as He wills. But are we seeking His help as we should? Are we careful not to grieve Him or cause Him to withdraw His presence? Without Him, we can do nothing, but with His mighty power, even the impossible becomes possible. Everything depends on whether He chooses to reveal or conceal His power. Do we look to Him in humble dependence, both for our inner spiritual life and for our outward acts of service? Or do we too often rush ahead, acting as though we don’t need His help?

Let us humble ourselves tonight, confessing any neglect of the Spirit’s presence, and ask for His renewing power. He is no temporary visitor—He abides with us. If we seek Him with the right heart, we will find Him. Though He is holy and sensitive to sin, He is also compassionate and ready to return to us in mercy. He is patient and does not give up on us easily. Let us call on Him tonight, asking for His presence to refresh and empower us once again.