The Mystery of the Great Fullness of the Holy Spirit

The mystery of what and who?

There’s a mysterious, uneasy stirring deep within my soul these days. I search for clues—hunt for answers. Uncommon questions remain. One piques my brain: Is gratefulness and great fullness the same? Formidable strength mingles with sadness, vulnerability, and anger. I retreat to the woods where squirrels whimper and birdsongs settle my thoughts like a lullaby calms a baby’s cry. I’m reminded: There’s power in serenity—and I wonder why the great fullness of this force is so underestimated in our wailing world. This forest, clothed in tremendous oaks, deep creviced stones, and ancient earth, is a holy place filled with praise. When I look beyond twisted branches and a trillion fallen leaves, I finally see and hear. There’s no doubt. God’s glory lives there. I emerge thankful, filled with bits of wisdom he left in my hand. Perhaps, timeless clues we’re meant to share—including those about the mystery of the great fullness of the Holy Spirit.  

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Psalm 96:11-12

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My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:21

Empty promises versus hope for tomorrow

Scholars and laymen agree; 2020 will be remembered as one of the most unprecedented years in United States history. In addition, as state officials devise and execute plans to lead us toward a brighter future, we take masked breaths and remember how political slander, abusive debates, and possible malicious deception left us weary. Guarded. Disillusioned. Empty.

You shall not testify falsely [that is, lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor (any person).

Exodus 20:16 AMP

However, extraordinary hardships, uncommon questions, and far-reaching moral dilemmas present a common ground. We need to come together again. Break bread. Laugh. Hug. Contemplate. Move on.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Gratefulness and the great fullness

It’s times like these when I feel I’ll self-destruct if I don’t press the invisible pause button. I open the sliding door and walk out to our deck. A brush of autumn’s cool air greets me as if it were a hug. Instantly, I’m reminded of the hold this place has on me. I’ve said, “It’s where fantastic stories live, and a never-ending lake kisses the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” I look up, breathe in the unmasked beauty of this day like it’s my last—and hope my tears express sincere gratitude to be here for such intriguing times as these.

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“For me, every hour is grace. And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile.”

Elie Wiesel

Thanksgiving and being full

In these raw moments, I visualize past Thanksgiving celebrations; our house full of family and friends; how we celebrated thankfulness. Then, I imagine myself ripping my mask to shreds, never needing it again. I run to my grandchildren and hold them tight…until another gust of wind sends a chill through me, jolting me back to reality. Neither faith nor hope can change how much I miss them. It’s something I have to endure.

Wisdom has a way of consoling my wounded spirit. Biblical truths about the mysteries of life and how wide and deep God’s love is for us does the trick every time. I only have to remind myself of these truths. Though indescribable, his love always gives me peace. I can lay my burdens down. Pray. Sing. Share. Let the tears roll—and be grateful he canceled the debt of my sins. I don’t have to worry about the world (or social media) canceling me. Maybe this is the beginning of understanding the mystery of such great fullness.

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But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me

John 15:26

Spirit helper

As a believer in the One true God, the Father, and Christ, his Son, I’ve come to see how the Holy Spirit is my helper and the true essence and heart of both: He’s God’s personal presence. The Holy Spirit completes the fullness of the word trinity, where together, they are One. I will testify of this great—often unexplainable fullness that comes from faith in an unseen God who loves me. Consequently, the mystery of the great fullness of the Holy Spirit is a little less mysterious and a lot more amazing.

In sickness, death, major financial loss, or political differences in my immediate family, I can say no matter what has come my way, God’s Holy Spirit was and is always there with me. Counseling, guiding, and filling me. On days when, like Chicken Little, news anchors and media tell us the sky is falling—I will not be moved.  

3 things I needed to do to see the fullness of the Holy Spirit

1. Stop ranting.
2. Let go of all perception of what I was feeling.
3. Invite him into my chaos.

Here are 4 more things I did (just because):

1. Went sporting clay shooting.
2. Hiked and explored wildlife trails.
3. Listened to contemporary Christian worship music.
4. Watched a few inspirational Billy Graham videos.  

He’s doing what?

If we believe in God’s great love for us, why do we feel like God needs to tell us what he’s doing? Years ago, the great Reverend Dr. Billy Graham spoke about global affairs. He said something like, “If God told us what he’s doing, we wouldn’t believe it!” A friend had sent a video clip today and I watched it over several times. Boom! A ton of angel-made bricks hit me.

He gives me peace and tells my soul: Don’t worry. Fear not. I am here with you always…even until the end of this age. Until forevermore is come. And so, today, Pray. Stand for truth—and be filled.

Me (2020)

How great is his love for us?

Maybe we should ask ourselves if we trust him to work all things for the good of those who love him. After all, If we believe our God is for us, who (or what) can stand against us? At the mention of his name, JESUS—demons flee. Mountains move. The question is: Do we believe? How great is his love for us…This Thanksgiving, may you all be full.

Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot.

Hausa Proverb

Dear friends,

I wrote The Mystery of the Great Fullness of the Holy Spirit while dealing with mixed feelings and a heaviness in my heart and spirit since the United States Presidential Election. Some family, friends, or readers feel the same. However, many are dancing on cloud nine.

I’ve shared this truth because it wasn’t until I took my mind off MY understanding and sat or walked alone with God before I felt peace. Can you relate? I hope you take the time to be alone in his presence and feel the comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding, logic, and knowledge of immediate or future circumstances.

God’s presence in our lives—is what matters most. Now and always. His love for us stays the same. Maybe we need to change our perspective about gratefulness and open our eyes to abundant life. In everything we face today or endure tomorrow, I pray we find clues and answers to the greatest mysteries of this life and beyond, even the mystery of the great fullness of the Holy Spirit. Heaven will be worth it all.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Don’t forget to join the conversation here in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. I hope The Mystery of the Great Fullness of the Holy Spirit is good news worth sharing with your friends and family. Please stop by my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog or my FB, Twitter, Instagram pages for more stories (click red links in this post), scripture quotes, and every day la, la, la. Wishing you peace, comfort, and wisdom on the journey.

—Joann

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