In these scriptures, Jesus once again offers us hope. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to endure the trials and tribulations that we will have in this life (John 16:33), the unreasonable hatred and evil in our world, and the hostility many have toward Christ. Jesus uses two names for the Holy Spirit — Counselor (some Bible translations say “Advocate”) and Spirit of Truth. Counselor indicates helping, encouraging, advising and guiding. And Spirit of Truth indicates bringing things out of darkness into the light (illuminating), as an unforeseen Being tests and approves the validity of something from within. The Holy Spirit testifies, bearing witness and presenting evidence for or against a person or thing, helping us to remember our identity in Christ.

Have you ever been called into a court of law to give testimony as to the accuracy of someone’s actions or statements? It is utterly crucial to the outcome of a trial. We must have someone or something to align to truth or falsehood. The Holy Spirit plays that role for believers.

The Holy Spirit makes up the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit was present at Creation in Genesis and is spoken of throughout Scripture. He knows God’s thoughts for us and bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. He will remind you of Jesus’s words and works, helping us to REMEMBER. And it is His fruit that should be evident in our life — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control.

When Jesus teaches us the function of the Holy Spirit in John 14-16, He describes a relationship. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force within us; he is God WITH us! He is an ever-present Helper, who always leads us in truth; He teaches us in all things and brings our minds to a place of remembering God’s truths and teachings.

When COVID hit our nation in March 2020, no one knew what was happening; we certainly didn’t know what to expect in the future. It was a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. During a time of fervent prayer one morning, I clearly felt the Holy Spirit whisper into my mind and heart “REMEMBER”! Just one word. I sat in the quiet stillness, wondering what exactly it was that I was supposed to “remember”? As previously memorized scriptures rolled around in my head and heart, it became clear to me — I was praying to the Great I Am; the One who doesn’t change; who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I sat for a very long time … remembering. Remembering ALL the evidence of God in my life, His promises, that He had a plan that was declared over my life long before time began, and that HE was aware of COVID and everything involved with it. The Holy Spirit was testifying to me personally — bringing back to my memory all the times that God was very obviously involved in my life and in the world around me. And He doesn’t change; He would keep on doing just that! It was the testimony of the Holy Spirit that restored peace to my heart by helping me REMEMBER!

But it doesn’t stop there. In verse 17, Jesus instructs His Disciples (and us) that WE must also testify, for we have been with Him … it is equally important for us to share the reason for our hope, to share our story of how God has changed our lives, to give testimony! Because, although others may argue the truth of God’s existence, they can’t argue what we personally testify to — the life-changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ in us!

Heavenly Father, we lift our praises to you today! In this ever-changing world, we acknowledge that you are Yahweh, the One who doesn’t change. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, leads us, guides us, teaches us and helps us to remember the work of Your hands and Your truths. Help us today, Father, to live with courage and strength, living out Your truths and being quick to share the reason for our hope. And may You, our God of Hope, fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope. And then, may we testify to Your goodness, faithfulness, love and power to those whose lives cross with ours, so that we may encourage and bring comfort to those around us, as we ourselves have been encouraged and comforted. Help us to be fruity today, Father, as we live out the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, bringing glory, honor and praise to you, Jesus. It’s in Your Name that we pray. Amen.

Listen to the song: My Testimony by Elevation Worship