Leaning into the Holy Spirit

Leaning into the Holy Spirit
Overhead shot of a sailboat on the ocean

The Spirit is our helper, our guide, and our comforter.



Life is complicated. There are moments when we stand at crossroads, uncertain of which path to tread. The world around us offers a multitude of directions, each promising fulfillment and purpose. Yet, in the midst of this cacophony, there is a gentle whisper, an invitation from the Holy Spirit—our divine guide and comforter promised to us by our loving Creator. Embracing the flow of the Holy Spirit's guidance transforms our journey, infusing it with purpose, peace, and wisdom. As we immerse ourselves in this sacred connection, we discover a profound intimacy with God and a path filled with grace.

In John 14:26, Jesus said, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." We can embrace this promise, leaning into the Holy Spirit, and knowing that we are not alone. The Spirit is our helper, our guide, and our comforter.

By acknowledging the Holy Spirit, we relinquish our reliance on human wisdom and submit our desires, dreams, and plans to God. In this act of surrender, we open ourselves to the unfolding of divine purpose, for the Spirit's guidance surpasses our limited understanding and aligns us with God's eternal perspective.

Imagine a sailor navigating a vast and unpredictable sea. To reach their destination, they must adjust the sails, attune to the wind's whispers, and embrace its flow. In a similar way, when we lean into the Holy Spirit, we allow ourselves to be guided by a holy breeze, leading us toward God's purpose for our lives. It is a journey of trust and surrender, requiring a posture of humility and a willingness to let go of our self-imposed control. We must learn to navigate the currents of life with open hands, trusting that the Spirit knows the way even when we cannot comprehend the road ahead.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:16-17).

Walking by the Spirit is an intentional choice, a daily surrender, and an act of faith that liberates us from the chains of self-reliance and leads us toward a life characterized by spiritual abundance.

When we lean into the Holy Spirit, we find strength and resilience in moments of weakness, courage in times of fear, and hope amidst despair. We become living testimonies of God's transformative power. As Paul tells us, “the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). We become vessels through which God's love, grace, and power flow into the world around us. Our lives bear witness to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, inviting others to experience the abundant life found in Christ.

As we navigate the twists and turns of life, let us lean into the gentle winds of the Holy Spirit, knowing that through guidance, we discover a path marked by truth, peace, and the fullness of God's presence. Amen.


Words: Emma Tweitmann
Images: Andrew Neel, Matthias Jordan

Close up shot of choppy ocean waters
The main sail of a sailboat set against a blue clear sky
Overhead shot of a sailboat on the ocean

The Spirit is our helper, our guide, and our comforter.



Life is complicated. There are moments when we stand at crossroads, uncertain of which path to tread. The world around us offers a multitude of directions, each promising fulfillment and purpose. Yet, in the midst of this cacophony, there is a gentle whisper, an invitation from the Holy Spirit—our divine guide and comforter promised to us by our loving Creator. Embracing the flow of the Holy Spirit's guidance transforms our journey, infusing it with purpose, peace, and wisdom. As we immerse ourselves in this sacred connection, we discover a profound intimacy with God and a path filled with grace.

In John 14:26, Jesus said, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." We can embrace this promise, leaning into the Holy Spirit, and knowing that we are not alone. The Spirit is our helper, our guide, and our comforter.

By acknowledging the Holy Spirit, we relinquish our reliance on human wisdom and submit our desires, dreams, and plans to God. In this act of surrender, we open ourselves to the unfolding of divine purpose, for the Spirit's guidance surpasses our limited understanding and aligns us with God's eternal perspective.

Imagine a sailor navigating a vast and unpredictable sea. To reach their destination, they must adjust the sails, attune to the wind's whispers, and embrace its flow. In a similar way, when we lean into the Holy Spirit, we allow ourselves to be guided by a holy breeze, leading us toward God's purpose for our lives. It is a journey of trust and surrender, requiring a posture of humility and a willingness to let go of our self-imposed control. We must learn to navigate the currents of life with open hands, trusting that the Spirit knows the way even when we cannot comprehend the road ahead.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Galatians 5:16-17).

Walking by the Spirit is an intentional choice, a daily surrender, and an act of faith that liberates us from the chains of self-reliance and leads us toward a life characterized by spiritual abundance.

When we lean into the Holy Spirit, we find strength and resilience in moments of weakness, courage in times of fear, and hope amidst despair. We become living testimonies of God's transformative power. As Paul tells us, “the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). We become vessels through which God's love, grace, and power flow into the world around us. Our lives bear witness to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, inviting others to experience the abundant life found in Christ.

As we navigate the twists and turns of life, let us lean into the gentle winds of the Holy Spirit, knowing that through guidance, we discover a path marked by truth, peace, and the fullness of God's presence. Amen.


Words: Emma Tweitmann
Images: Andrew Neel, Matthias Jordan

Close up shot of choppy ocean waters

Additional readings

Finding God in Mystery and Wonder

How mystery and wonder invites us to seek God in newer and deeper ways.

On Relinquishing Control, A Prayer for Anxiety

Reflective thoughts and study of Philippians 4:6-7 on how God is in control in the midst of anxiety.

Creativity as Devotional Practice

A reflection on how we can approach the creative process as a devotional practice.

Listening with Intention

Adapting our daily rhythms to hear where the Spirit is leading.


Additional readings

Finding God in Mystery and Wonder

How mystery and wonder invites us to seek God in newer and deeper ways.

On Relinquishing Control, A Prayer for Anxiety

Reflective thoughts and study of Philippians 4:6-7 on how God is in control in the midst of anxiety.

Creativity as Devotional Practice

A reflection on how we can approach the creative process as a devotional practice.

Listening with Intention

Adapting our daily rhythms to hear where the Spirit is leading.