John 14: 16-18
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. His divine role in our lives is to strengthen, comfort, guide, teach, warn us of danger, and testify of truth. Christ explained to His apostles that when He (Christ) left, the Father would send the Spirit to be their Comforter in His place to give peace and teach them.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Just like our Father in Heaven, and just like our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost is a person, a being, with a personality. He loves us and wants to help us in any way He can. He has played an enormous role in my own life, guiding me countless times by warning me of dangers and prompting me in specific directions.
However, we must be in the correct state of mind and heart in order to receive the Spirit’s guidance. In 1 Kings chapter 19, we learn how the Spirit will often communicate with us from one of the prophet Elijah’s experiences.
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?
Amidst the tumult of noise, the Spirit spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. The same applies to us. If our minds are racing with thoughts, if our hearts are raging with unrighteous motives and desires, we will be deaf to the subtle whisperings of the Holy Ghost. It takes an earnest, concentrated effort on our part to receive His instruction.
Turn off the radio. Turn off the television. Remove yourself from the world’s distractions. Find time to meditate, to read and ponder the scriptures. Find time to connect with the Spirit.
I testify that the Holy Ghost can teach us all things. I testify that He can give us the strength and peace we need to withstand all that the world may throw at us. I testify that the Holy Ghost loves us, and I know that He speaks to us. Are we willing to take a moment to listen?
Closer Than We Think 