Max Lucado on the Benefits of the Holy Spirit
HIS OWN TURNING POINT
As a young pastor, Max found himself unable to sleep. He was happily married, the father of three precious little girls, and a few years into his pastorate in San Antonio. Max says he worked hard to be all that he thought he needed to be.
“I resolved to study hard, counsel wisely, solve problems, organize committees, and satisfy each cranky member. I maintained a game face for three or four years, but somewhere in my mid-thirties I ran out of fuel,” he admits. “On more than one Sunday morning, I stood before the church having little, if any sleep. I was desperate.”
It was at this point in his life that Max began to seek and rely on the Holy Spirit like never before. When he couldn’t sleep, he got out of bed, and went to pray. “That fellow in the crumpled pajamas was Max, the depleted, confused disciple.” He says his prayers were moans, and his faith a frazzled thread, but little by little, he began to sense the Spirit responding to his pleas.
“I requested strength. He gave it. I asked the Spirit to heal the sick. More than once He did. I prayed for vitality and joy. Both returned,” he explains. “One day, while studying for a message, I read the words Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit: comforter and friend. I recall having this wonderful realization: ‘I know that Person.’”
Max says all believers can avail themselves of the guidance, comfort, and help of the Holy Spirit, which require only a few things. “A childlike spirit. Hungry to be taught. Willing to be led,” he says. “Let your day begin with these words: ‘Welcome, Holy Spirit!’ Make it your aim to walk in the Spirit by inviting him into the details of each day. Let this prayer be quick to come to your mind: ‘In this moment, what are you teaching me?’ Or, ‘How am I to respond to this challenge, Lord?’ Or, ‘Direct me, please. Which way should I go?’ Pause and listen. Keep an ear inclined toward the Spirit.”
PEACE AMIDST CHAOS
There is more than enough chaos in our world to throw us all into a tailspin, Max acknowledges. Wars, health problems, financial setbacks, marriage failures, work conflicts, off-the-chart stress, and the pandemic are some examples. The result, he says, is anxiety. “The emotion is not a sign of weakness, immaturity or demon possession. It is simply the result of living in a fast-changing, challenging world,” he says.
“Anxiety is not a sign of weakness. But anxiety does weaken us. It takes our sleep. It numbs our minds. It clutters our hearts with dread. Yet help is here. You have at your disposal the surest antidote for trepidation. The Holy Spirit. He is the calming presence of God in the world today. He will help you defy the voices of fear and draw nigh to the presence of peace.”
Max then explains a practical way to access that peace. “The next time a wave of anxiety begins to roll over you, go immediately to the Spirit in worship,” Max says. “Constant worship clears the debris from our hearts. Praise is the cleansing element that flushes the trash of worry and anxiety.”
His method is simple: Read Bible verses that promise peace. Next, pick a favorite worship song or hymn to listen to or sing or both. Then pray. “You surrender tomorrow to the care of your loving God. And then, to make sure the devil knows he has failed, you tell him to leave you alone.”
How can we be led by the Spirit? “Here is a direct answer,” Max says. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect ( NLT).” He reminds us that we can’t hear the Spirit if we’re listening to the voice of this world.
“If you want to hear from God, the first question you need to ask is not ‘What should I do?’ but ‘Whom will I hear? Who has authority? Who calls the shots in my life?’ If the answer is ‘people,’ you will not discern God’s direction. If the answer is television personalities, you will not discern God’s will for your life. Talk to him. Ask him to guide you. Seek his will. And then listen. Wait for a response. As we follow him, we begin to discern his voice. I’ve noticed that he often speaks to me through my own thoughts. This is not surprising. He owns my mind. My body is his temple. I should not be surprised that his answer to my question would come in a form that I can understand. So relax! If you don’t sense his guidance, ask again. ‘Trust in the LORD with all you heart, and lean not on your own understanding’ ( NKJV). He is completely capable to lead you where he wants you to go. He might use a nudge, a prick of the conscience, a reminder of Scripture.”
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE WEARY
“We grow drowsy in our spirituality,” Max says. “Vibrancy is replaced by lethargy. Enthusiasm fades, and, well, we doze off. I’m not talking about hard-hearted rebels or cynics who reject God. I’m talking about the good-hearted saints who experience a dry heart, a waning love—who feel a disconnect in their relationship with God. I may be talking about you. If so, can I tell you some good news? The mightiest force on the planet is here to help you. ‘The Spirit gives life’ ( NIV). Could Jesus have stated the mission of the Spirit more clearly? This emptiness you feel? This zombiness? It won’t be healed by a new house, spouse, job, or jewelry. A different date or weight might feel good, but the deep, lasting change you need? Only the Spirit can give it. And he will! Dry marriage? He can enliven it. Dead-end career? The Spirit can breathe on it. Scattered remnants of yesterday’s dreams? The Spirit of God can reassemble and rekindle them. It is not his will that you lead a lifeless life. He will breathe on your dry bones. It simply falls on you to be an Ezekiel. Surprised? ‘Me? Ezekiel?’ My invitation has nothing to do with changing your name, moving to Israel, or growing a belly-length beard. It has everything to do with your willingness to invite the Spirit into the dry and dead patches of your world.”
MAX’S HEALTH
In the summer of 2021, Max announced through a video message on his website that he had a health challenge: an ascending aortic aneurysm. “To be honest, it is a serious issue, because the aneurysm, or bulge in the aorta is quite sizeable,” Max explained. “Surgery is possible. I have a great medical team; I’ve been so blessed with a tremendous team of brilliant physicians and caretakers.”
His publicist, Jana Muntsinger, recently reported that Max went for a larger, more detailed test and the doctor said the aneurysm is smaller. Her understanding is that this type of aneurysm does not get smaller, ever.
“The doctor chalked it up to being a more accurate test, but Max, of course is claiming a touch from God,” she says. Their strategy continues to be keeping a close eye on it and Max plans to continue his normal routines and ministry.
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