He’s Always Been There

“His Holy Spirit has been part of my life long before I even knew what that meant.”

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)

I didn’t grow up attending church. I didn’t learn any of the cute Bible stories other kids learn or why we worship God. I had absolutely zero scriptures memorized and had no idea how to pray.

But the one thing I’ve always known, and no one had to teach me, is that God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, has always been there with me.

I have this vivid memory of sitting on my bedroom floor when I was maybe 12 or 13. I don’t remember what else was going on. I think I had a friend over, but I could even be remembering that part wrong. What I do remember is an overwhelming feeling, knowing with ALL my heart and soul that God was real and He was with me. Taking care of me. Providing for me. And that I was going to be OK.

When I was in my early 20's I still didn’t attend church or know God at all and I was a perfect example of how a young adult should not behave. I was exactly the person you would think that would NOT feel the presence of God. I didn’t ask Him to be with me, I didn’t do anything to have a relationship with Him and I was a sinner of epic proportions. But in that dark time of my life I always knew God was nearby because I could feel His presence. He was chasing after me, wanting a relationship with me. At the time I had no idea what it was, but looking back I can clearly see that God was protecting me and letting me know that I was still going to be OK.

The fact is that God was always there. Has always been there. His Holy Spirit has been part of my life long before I even knew what that meant.

The same Spirit that has always been part of my life was there at the creation of our world. He has literally been around for all of humanity.

Genesis 1:2 references the “Spirit of God”. He was there. Before God started creating the earth, the Spirit was already part of God. In Genesis 1:26 the wording “us” and “our” is used, implying that God was not alone. His Spirit was there.

The Holy Spirit is available to me, you, your children, your extended family, your friends, neighbors, co-workers… everyone. We need Him in our everyday lives, knowing that He’s there with His gifts and fruits, guiding us, leading us, teaching us, helping us. His presence alone can change your whole outlook on your day. Invite Him in today and experience everything He has to offer.

Action Steps:

Ask the Holy Spirit to be part of your day today. Invite Him into your heart and into your home.
Ask for whatever help, guidance or direction you need today. If you don’t know what steps to take next in your mothering…go to the Holy Spirit. Pray about it. You will get your answer, in His timing.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to be part of your children’s lives too. Talk to them about the Holy Spirit. Read John 16:7 with your children and have a conversation about why Jesus left the world and allowed the Holy Spirit to come to us.

Written by Cathrine, mom of 4, living in the presence of the Holy Spirit