Do You Not Know?

One of the most amazing mysteries of Calvary is the tearing in two, from top to bottom, of the temple veil –the veil that prevented man from entering the Holy of Holies. Although the “how” is a mystery, the “why” is not. Christ’s work of redemption on the cross removed the barrier between God and man, ushering in a new era. Those who repented of their sins and placed their faith in Jesus Christ would receive the Holy Spirit, not as an isolated experience, but as a constant presence. Incomprehensible!

The Holy Spirit was active throughout the Old Testament, present in creation, coming and going, directing individuals and events, granting special skill and uncanny wisdom to some. But it appears that His indwelling presence was the exception rather than the rule. In I Samuel 16:13 “…the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward…” Yet in Psalm 51:11 David pleads with God not to take the Holy Spirit away from Him as a consequence of his sin. Other men of God were visited by the Holy Spirit with special knowledge, words, or abilities for a particular purpose in time, limited in scope and duration.

As New Testament believers, however, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. I Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”

I must admit I have not always known that fact as I should. I have not always recognized the priceless significance of God’s gift of an indwelling Holy Spirit in this present day and time. Concerning the Holy Spirit I have alternately been ignorant, fearful, suspect, and apathetic. In so being I know I have often grieved Him. One of my greatest mistakes has been confining the Holy Spirit to words on a page. He is a living, breathing Being, always present and available, eager to speak in and through me if only I acknowledge Him. He is a Person, the third Person of the Triune God, with attributes and emotions; someone I need to become acquainted with, since He is living here, making Himself constantly available. Over the past few years I have been doing just that –taking time to get to know Him, and I would encourage you to do the same.

Here is a poem I wrote in appreciation of some of the things the Holy Spirit does in me and for me–a feeble human attempt to express Someone who is truly incomprehensible!


Precious Holy Spirit

Precious Holy Spirit
dwelling deep inside my soul
cheering with your presence
making the broken whole
whispering words of comfort
breathing through my fear
holding me in silence
wiping every tear
endowing with Your wisdom
emboldening with power
surprising through Your wonders
every waking hour
strengthening arms for labor
helping in the race
filling days with praise
and nights with amazing grace
counseling in my confusion
guiding through the unknown
allowing peace to clothe me
making this body your home

--Sharlyn Guthrie