Spirit of God

“The Father … will give you another Helper … the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.” – John 14:16-17 NASB

Born in Dublin, Ireland, on this day in 1780, George Croly spent much of his adult life as a writer. The articles he contributed often focused on his Christian faith, but today he is most remembered for a hymn he wrote in 1854.

“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” was an honest hymn in which Croly confessed his weakness. He acknowledged his thoughts were often dominated by his flesh and carnal pleasures. He had come to depend on the Spirit to wean him from earth’s attractions and to change his heart and mind.

He realized God, through His Spirit, could overcome the impulses of his flesh and overpower his human faults and make him love God as he ought to love.

Croly asked God to teach him that He was always near, to help him bear with those who struggled, and to respond with patience when prayers aren’t quickly answered. He realized he needed the Spirit’s help to love God. The Spirit would ignite him with a holy passion, and symbolically, his heart would be the altar and God’s love the flame.

Remember the Holy Spirit is with you in every situation. He is ready to empower you and give you the wisdom, power, and ability you need. He can fill you with a supernatural love for others, even those who seem unlovable.

Call on Him. Listen to Him. Trust in Him. He is your Helper!

Reflection Question: How have you noticed the Holy Spirit’s presence and impact in your life?