To Receive the Holy Spirit

Scripture: Luke 11:9-13

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Reaction: I have read this very famous Bible passage many times, but I don’t remember noting that the way the Lord answers our requests is by giving us the Holy Spirit. In the past I always focused on receiving what I asked for, what I want, but not necessarily what I need. In my meditation today, it became quite clear that regardless of what I’m seeking, what I’m asking for, what I want delivered to me through the open door, the Holy Spirit always plays a major role. It is His grace that allows me to be aware of God’s presence in nature, in His word, and in my very being; to accept my limitations and recognize my talents; to find strength, courage and acceptance as I endure my earthly trials; to be filled with joy and appreciation for the blessings I have received; to trust in God’s providence and in His love for me; to be filled with hope for the good things to come, accompanied by the gift of patience when I’m frustrated that the Lord’s timeline is not my own. I cannot think of a single supplication I have made to the Lord that is not covered by one of these graces. Even if I don’t receive the exact ‘thing’ I’m requesting (be it a certain job I’ve applied for, a specific event to take place, or relief from physical or mental anguish), I know that the Holy Spirit is there giving me the grace I need to accept everything that’s going on in my life, and the power to deal with it. I might not receive the fish or the egg I’ve asked for, but neither do I get a snake or a scorpion. Instead I get real spiritual nourishment that will sustain me throughout my days. I continue to ask the Holy Spirit for these graces, along with the determination and the faithfulness to use them as He intends.