Today is Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the early church (Acts 2:1-4) A day to celebrate the Holy Spirit and all that He means to us. I admit to waking with a special sense of expectation today. We long so much for a new outpouring of His Spirit. We pray fervently for it and today seemed like the perfect opportunity for Him to come in a fresh and exciting way.
But I have learnt that expectation (wanting to see things happen in a certain way ) and expectancy (being open to whatever He wants to do) are two very different things. I may expect Him to come in a certain way – for it to look like something – what I have imagined, or read about happening, in other places at other times.
As I enjoyed worship this morning in church, I knew He had come. These are the words that He inspired me to put down on paper in that moment.
What does it look like when you come?
Sometimes it looks like arms raised high in extravagant praise, an outpouring of thankfulness. A dance, a celebration, or a falling to the knees in adoration.
Sometimes it looks like empowerment, the faith to pray for the impossible. Miracles, wisdom, supernatural enabling, things beyond our human understanding.
Sometimes it looks like joy, deep bubbling laughter that invades and overtakes, overflows and saturates. Contagious and life giving.
Sometimes it looks like tears, an undoing, a deep healing. Or a painful awareness of sin, and a submission of self. An invitation to restoration and renewal.
Sometimes it looks like… nothing.
You come, certain as the wind, but no-one sees it.
But I know you are there. Quiet. Whispering your love, embracing me in Your presence.
And I receive Your outpouring again.
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.
‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here