Help

 A few days ago, when Mum was still able to have a proper conversation (much more confused now) we were talking about how helpful people were being. All sorts of folk have rallied round for Mum over the past few years as she has been becoming more frail. And every act of kindness has been very much appreciated.  But Mum said something interesting about people who help. She said 'there are lots of people who will help if you ask them to, but the really 'helpful' help is when someone anticipates your need before you ask for it'   And I knew what she meant

As Ive been living with her for the past couple of weeks Ive started to know what she needs before she tells me.  She has a bit of a runny nose and needs a hanky quite often.  At the start she was asking me for it.  Now I just know when she needs it and hand it to her. Until the past couple of days she has needed very specific help with getting up from bed and back into bed. At first she had to explain what worked for her but it didnt take me long to see the patterns and anticipate what she needed.  And anticipating the need is just a bit more of a help than having to ask and wait for a response.

Today I managed to get out for a walk for half an hour and I found myself speaking in tongues in my head as I walked along.  And I was really surprised because I realised that for the past two and a half weeks I havent been doing that.  An internal monologue of tongues is standard for me when my brain is idling  (And no, thats NOT all the time I'll have you know !😉)  It seems to be my default setting. Im not sure if Im praying for people or myself or praising Jesus.  I dont have any conscious thoughts accompanying usually.  Just tongues.   Except not this past couple of weeks until today

I was pondering this and I came to the conclusion that obviously the Holy Spirit is my helper. He most certainly has been helping me recently. SO much.  But maybe He has not been in my head because other people have been informing and instructing and asking Him on my behalf. Im so aware of being propped up by the prayers of the saints. Its as though I havent needed to engage Him because He is already engaged by others who are praying. ( I hope this makes sense .Im sure Im not explaining it very well)

The Holy Spirit is the very best, most helpful helper there is. And if anyone can anticipate a need and meet it before it's even been asked for, its Him. 



Interestingly that word 'help' in Psalm 46 is the word ezrah which means assistant, support, helper and its a feminine noun. As though when the Holy Spirit helps us He comes with all the gentle, female caring attributes of a mother, sister, friend.

The takeaway for today is this - before you call He is already answering.  
And who's need can you anticipate today?



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