His Spirit is Our Helper

Something about the new year leads us to strive in our lives. Whether we are striving to be more consistent with exercise, eat healthier, have less screen time, or read more books, we set these goals for ourselves and often give up on them before February rolls around.

Have you ever felt like that in your walk with God? You want to pray more, share the Gospel with your coworkers, or get involved in a Bible Study, but it quickly becomes a checklist that seems unattainable. Often, this happens when we strive to be a “better Christian,” focusing on our abilities to accomplish the task instead of seeking God’s guidance and walking with Him.

In Ezekiel 36, the prophet Ezekiel addresses the Israelites who have been scattered in exile and explains that God is going to bring them out of exile, not because of anything they did but for His Glory. This passage addresses the Israelites’ situation and points to 700 years later and the coming of Christ. Three truths we learn from Ezekiel 36:27:

• God is the One who transforms us. Verse 26 explains that God replaces our hearts of stone with a new heart. Before surrendering our lives to God, we are eternally separated from God because of sin. But because of God’s kindness and mercy, not any merit of our own, we can come into a relationship with God.
• God provides a Helper in the Holy Spirit. After we place our faith and trust in Christ, God does not leave us to walk on our own but provides His Spirit. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises “another Helper” to come after Him. That Helper, the same Spirit we see in Ezekiel 36, is the Holy Spirit.
• God gives direction in how to walk in His ways. God gives us guidance in His Word. As followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will guide us, direct us, and correct us to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel.

We do not have to strive in our relationship with God. We can walk in His ways because the Holy Spirit works in us, not because of our strength or merit. When we spend time with Him and get to know His Word, we will grow in “walking in His statutes and observing His ordinances.”

Reflect & Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for transforming my life through the redeeming work of Christ and providing a Helper through Your Spirit within me. I confess that I cannot walk in Your ways on my own; help me live in obedience to Your Word today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.