Pentecost is this coming Sunday, May 19 commemorating the arrival of the Holy Spirit and is often called the birthday of the church. The word Pentecost means “fiftieth day,” as it is celebrated fifty days after Easter. I love the tradition in my church to celebrate this day in many ways, including wearing red to represent the flames and the power of the Spirit.
Two years ago, I wrote about the various names of the Trinity and which one in particular for the Holy Spirit that resonated with my own spirituality. Looking at the various names, I paused this year and considered which name seemed most appropriate for me right now in my spiritual walk. I knew if I listened quiestly to my heart, the Spirit would answer.
- Advocate
- Comforter
- Helper
- Sophia
- Counselor
- Guide
- Intercessor
- Teacher
I listened and the name – the Comforter – shimmered and called my name.
Comforter. Just the name brings a sense of peace, doesn’t it? Comforter reminds us God is with us in all our life – the good days and the difficult times.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16
Why did Comforter resonate so much this year? I knew right away. These past few months my hubby and I have experienced a series of disappointments that reopened deep wounds of not being good enough, not belonging, of being excluded. We felt rejected and still can’t fully understand why we were snubbed. We lost a dear friend and grieved with his family. Then we faced the frustration when some much-anticipated plans were canceled. One event followed another in quick succession. We were raw.
We have learned to name our emotions, acknowledge them, accept them, then let them go and chose to live with hope, grace, and love, trusting God. It hasn’t been easy, but we are called to love and be love. We have experienced God’s soothing presence as the Comforter through this time. We choose to praise God and be thankful for what we do have, not focused on what we don’t possess.
I don’t write this to gain your sympathy – we all endure rough patches, don’t we? I share this to affirm God is good and ever present and right now for me God is Comfort. Being held. Being accepted and understood. Giving us time and space to rest and be restored. Being led into the future with hope and healing, one day at a time.
This year Pentecost means the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. I am grateful and will celebrate and praise the God of all.
Who the Holy Spirit for you right now?
thank you for this. I needed to remember. The ultimate comforter.
I like how you added the adjective – ultimate to the name comforter. So perfect!!
Jean, I am so saddened that you and your husband are walking through this season of unknowns and not-sures. That you are experiencing the Comforter as you move ahead is, well, a sweet comfort indeed. May you find that He is all you need. And may God be gracious to you and bring loving, kind people into your lives to let you know how valued and priceless you both are.
Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Have a wonderful Pentecost, Linda!!
Oh, Jean. I’m so sorry you’ve been broadsided by multiple hurts! You’ve encouraged me today by your choice to “live with hope, grace, and love, trusting God,” to thank and praise God for what you do have, including his comfort that ALWAYS ministers when we face difficulty! These words of Aliza Lotta have ministered comforting encouragement to me, as needed, over the last few years: “There is always good because there is always God . . . even when nothing else around us is good. His presence in the midst of our deepest pain is a good gift indeed” (from Take Heart, edited by Grace P. Cho and Ana E. Rendell, Revell Publishing, 2020, p. 162). You are affirming that by your choices, Jean! I pray this season of disappointments is soon followed by a season of joyful blessing.
Thank you for your love and support. I can feel it in my heart. God is always good!!
I am currently doing a 31 day devotional on Binge eating and several names immediately jumped out at me including Counselor, Comforter, and Teacher.
He knows my needs and provides what I need throughout my day.
That is so perfect and great timing!!
When I read through your list here, Jean, the name “Comforter” jumped out at me just as it did for you. Oh, how crucial it has been, going through our recent tribulations, to know that God will comfort us in those times when we trust in Him and all He has promised us. Jesus knew that we could not be left as orphans when He ascended to be with His Father, and sent us the very companion and comfort we would need to live on earth as His disciples.
Every rose has a thorn – that is life. But because of the Holy Spirit, we can hold on in faith, knowing Jesus has overcome the world.
A blessed Pentecost to you, dear friend!
Comforter is such the perfect name for the spirit. Happy Pentecost to you too!
I echo what you wrote, Jean, as well as Pat Forsman’s comment. It seems life is becoming more difficult in so many ways. The Also, Comforter is the name I choose for the Holy Spirit – so needed!
Thank you for sharing things that are relevant not only to you, but to your readers as well.
As I read through the list 3 names immediately spoke to me; Comforter, Counselor, and Teacher.
I feel He knows my needs and provides each at the appropriate time.
When I stray He counsels me, when I need instruction He teaches me and when I am in need of comfort He provides.
Teacher and counselor are powerful too. Sure shows the active mode of the Spirit, doesn’t it?
Hi Jean we share like names both for ourselves and for the Spirit. That is cool. I feel like I have a companion!!
thank you jean…life can sure poke ya from time to time…so glad Holy spirit gave you the comfort needed…right now..just knowing from faith that He lives inside and always ready to listen and have a talk…youre right. .what a comforter!!!!!
peace
Love how you write life can poke us from time to time. love that image. Not deadly, just irritating, right?