Scripture Scribbles: June 15 - The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

the Gospel

John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples:

"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.

But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,

he will guide you to all truth.

He will not speak on his own,

but he will speak what he hears,

and will declare to you the things that are coming.

He will glorify me,

because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Everything that the Father has is mine;

for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine

and declare it to you."

the scribble

He will guide you to all truth.

Full. Stop. Go back and read that again.

Do we really believe these words? Like, to the core of our being?

I wonder how different our lives would be if we truly did believe them.

Because these words, if they are actually true, change everything.

I think we often understand Jesus, but I wonder if we actually believe Him.

Today’s Gospel is one of those passages of Scripture that can knock the wind right out of me if I actually slow down enough to receive the words Jesus is speaking and let them sink into the depths of my being.

Jesus tells us that there is much more for us to know, but that we cannot bear it yet. He then tells us that He is sending us a gift, the Holy Spirit, who will guide us to all truth.

The simple message I feel so clearly on my heart is this:

When life feels too heavy, too hard, too difficult to navigate, here is the invitation from the Lord: Let go.

Let Him lead you. And don’t just say it, or think it, but actually surrender it. And then watch and listen for Him to guide you into the next step on your unique and individual path of life.

Because, good news, my friend, it is not all up to us!
We have a Savior. We have a Creator. And He is just waiting for you to let Him lead you into all truth. What a joyous relief.

So what is it, friend, that is on your heart tonight?

Is it an illness in the family, deep grief, complicated relationships, hurt feelings, regret, job struggles, financial burdens, resentment, jealousy, big change, bitter anger? What thought is looping around in your mind, stealing your sense of deep and abiding peace?

Jesus came so that you may have life, and have it to the full.
This is not how He intends for you to live.

Could it be possible that Jesus, who loves you infinitely more than you can even comprehend, has already figured out the answer? Could it be possible that the solution is already waiting for you, and all you need to do is allow it to get to you?

He will guide you to all truth.

Tonight, let’s slow down.

Take a deep breath in.
Slowly let it out.

I invite you to take a moment and pause long enough to notice the thoughts, emotions, and anxieties rattling around in your head and your heart. What is on your mind and heart today?

See them.
Name them.
Visually imagine each one.
Now imagine Jesus, lovingly walking up to you with His hands open to receive.
Hold each one up and then drop it into the palm of Jesus’s hand.
One. By. One. See them enter into the loving hands of Christ.
Thank Jesus for holding them. Thank Him for taking the reins and leading the way.

Now, step away.
Fully release them.

Take a deep breath in.
Slowly let it out.

Your job now is to confidently wait. Anticipate. Listen. Notice. Receive.

Do not take those things back out of His hands, but rather be waiting and ready to notice where God moves your heart and your mind next. Notice the people in your life, the patterns in the words or in the Scripture you hear, the pulling of your heart as it settles into its next step.

Trust that He will answer. He is a good, good Father, who always answers.

Trust that He will do as He says He will:

Guide you into all truth.

I’m praying for you as He guides you to the next step in your journey, friend. Please pray for me too.

Today’s devotion was written by Rachel Smith