We all need help sometimes. When we’re sick we call a doctor. When we have a toothache we call the dentist. When the pipes burst we call a plumber. But sometimes something inside our hearts or our marriages or our family breaks. Then we don’t call anybody. We hide it and try to keep it a secret. I’m married to a man in ministry, have 5 children and a special needs daughter. That’s challenging. And I’ve been fortunate that my husband and I have recognized when we need some professional help to walk us past some rough spaces with all our “stuff” of marriage, money, ministry and kids.  It’s so much simpler when you just call it what it is instead of hiding it.

But what if professional help is not available to you? What about the times you are completely alone in your struggle? You feel like there’s no end in sight and you are so worn out and weary you can’t see how you will go own? What then?

Friends, can I remind you that as a child of God, help is always available to you. When Jesus Christ left earth for Heaven He promised to send His spirit and did. John 14 says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth”.

That spirit, The Spirit of the Living God, Creator of the Universe with all power and authority lives in you. Isaiah 9 calls Jesus, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” It is that spirit that lives in you. Do you need a comfortor? A counselor? Do you need powerful might in your situation? Do you need someone to be faithful to you? Do you need peace in your heart? It can be yours.

Submit yourself to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Stop and listen to His voice. Jesus says in John 10, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Pray for wisdom to recognize the voice of the Spirit and to do as it says. James says “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.” Ask! Ask the spirit to speak to you, to guide you, to comfort you. Ask and you will receive. God is in the restoration and redemption business! It’s what He does best. And He wants to help you. Let His spirit minister to your soul and give you the guidance you need.

Sometimes God uses people who are professionals to help us. His spirit uses them to minister to us and guide us. But they are never a replacement for God. They are simply a tool of God. The greatest help of all is His word and the ministry of His spirit.

Matthew 11 is the key….”Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Take God’s path. Do things His way. Learn from Him and you will find rest.