Orphan Heart

John 14:15-18

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever —  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

When I lived in Haiti, I had a missionary friend who took into his home an orphan boy off the street. Even though the refrigerator and cupboards in my friend’s home were full of food and there were three meals a day and food to snack on any time, this orphan boy would save part of his meals and hide them in different places in his home for fear the day would come that there would be no food.

We as Christians sometimes behave like this orphan boy. Even though we know as children of God we are joint heirs with Christ and everything that is God’s belong to us, we continue to have the heart, mind, and attitude of an orphan. We are independent-minded, self-made, self-reliant individuals who depend on our skills and abilities to make it through life. We strive for the praise, approval, and acceptance of others. Our lives revolve around personal achievement and success. When we fail, we become insecure, frustrated, fearful, discouraged or depressed.

But Jesus said that He would not leave us as orphans who are trying to make it on our own. He promised to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who would dwell in us and be with us 24/7 forever. The Holy Spirit is the fullness of God the creator who lives in us, loves us, and is there to aid us in every aspect of life. There is full joy, love, peace and acceptance in Him. His cupboards are full of everything we need for a godly, fulfilling life.

Romans 8:12-17 says, “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,"Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

In the midst of a world that has lost its identity, moral and spiritual bearings, we can walk with confidence in our identity in Christ. We have received the Spirit of adoption, which bears witness that we are children of God. Our security, success, and fulfillment are in Christ, the author of life. He wants to hang out with you today and be part of your everyday life. Rejoice, you are not on your own!

Andy Clark