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faithful, for He will “not allow us to be tempted beyond what” we “are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that” we “may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13, NKJ). Doing so, He will visit us with consolation or encouragement.

Next, let us consider the Comforter’s work of imparting to believers joy during trials. In 2 Corinthians 7:4 (NKJ) Paul states, “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” Here, we find Paul in a time of great pressure, oppression, and affliction, what some might describe as dire straits. Humanly speaking, it could be expected that Paul would reflect this distress in his outward demeanor, in the form of fear, worry, or anxiety. Yet, such was not the case. Instead, He was exceedingly joyful. How was this so?

It was so because Paul experienced the comfort of the Holy Spirit. As was true with Paul, so is it true with us today. We need not be overcome with despair, anguish, and dread during trials. Instead, we can know heavenly bliss. How? We can do so because the Holy Spirit resides in and with us.

Finally, we come to the Comforter who conveys to us times of refreshing. We read in Acts 3:19 (NKJ), “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Tragically, we have all, at times, been enticed to sin. And, though there is pleasure in sin for a season (Heb. 11:25), we come to understand, if we have not already, that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Prov. 13:15, ASV). Recognizing our sin, we confess it to God and find that “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJ). Cleansed from the effects of sin, we are then positioned to receive times of refreshing. It is in those times that our walks with Christ are reinvigorated, revitalized, and revived. What a blessing it is to experience such times of refreshing from the Holy Spirit.

We have seen and many of us have experienced that the Holy Spirit brings consolation or encouragement, gives us joy during trials, and provides times of refreshing. How thankful we should ever be that Jesus did not leave us alone after His ascension. Alone, we could easily be overcome by fear, hopelessness, worry, anxiety, dread, discouragement, and despair. Yet, Jesus is a faithful Savior who did not leave us alone. He sent one like Him to take His place, the blessed Holy Spirit, our Comforter!