The Wind of the Holy Spirit

In the spiritual life, not to advance is to retreat. Those who have the wind of the Holy Spirit go forward even in sleep. If the ship of our soul is still tossed with winds and storms, let us awake the Lord, who sleeps in it, and He will quickly calm the sea.

The Fifth Letter of Brother Lawrence – The Practice of the Presence of God

Brother Lawrence’s thought beautifully captures the peace and assurance that comes from living in the presence of God. He reminds us that when the Holy Spirit guides us, we can move forward in life even when we’re at rest, much like a ship carried by the wind. But when storms arise and our souls are troubled, it can feel as though God is distant or asleep. 

But here’s something we would do well to remember: Jesus is always present within us, even when He seems silent. In times of turmoil, we can turn to Him in faith, just as the disciples did during the storm on the Sea of Galilee. When they cried out, Jesus woke and calmed the storm with a word. 

Just like the disciples, when our hearts become anxious, we are invited to “awake the Lord” through prayer and trust. When we do this, we allow His peace to quiet our fears and steady our course. So let this be our practice also! Rely on His presence, whether in calm or in storm, knowing that with Him at the helm – we are never retreating but always moving forward. 

Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”