By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
John 7:39 (NIV)
When John says, “the Spirit had not been given,” it does not mean the Spirit was absent before Christ. The Holy Spirit has always existed, present from creation itself, “hovering over the waters” in Genesis. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit empowered God’s people at specific times and for particular tasks. Yet something greater was still to come. The permanent indwelling of the Spirit in every believer awaited the finished work of Jesus—His death, resurrection, and ascension. Only then would God pour out His Spirit in fullness upon all who believe.
When Jesus spoke of “rivers of living water” flowing from within, He was pointing to the gift of the Holy Spirit. At that time, however, the Spirit had not yet been given in His fullness, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. Though the Spirit was already at work in creation and in the lives of God’s people, His dwelling within every believer was still a future promise.
This promise was fulfilled after Christ’s redemptive work was complete. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out as God had foretold through the prophets. Now, the Spirit is not reserved for a select few but is given to every believer in Christ. His presence transforms us from within, gives us strength to obey God, and empowers us to share His life with others. Today, we live in the fullness of what was once anticipated: the Spirit of God dwelling within us.
Jesus lived His earthly ministry in the fullness of the Spirit, and He promised the same Helper would one day live in His followers. That promise is now ours. The Spirit within us gives us everything we need for life and godliness, as 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now empowers us to overcome weakness, walk in holiness, and be bold witnesses for Christ.
Pause for a moment. Breathe deeply and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart again. Ask Him to show you where you need His power today—whether in your struggles, your relationships, or your ministry. Wait quietly in His presence, and allow His Spirit to refresh and strengthen you for the journey ahead.
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart afresh
Where do you need His power today — in struggles, relationships, ministry or other areas? Ask Him
Allow the Holy Spirit to refresh and strengthen you
“Lord I thirst for YouI long to be in Your presenceMy soul will wait on You…”
— Lord I Thirst For You, Keith Staten