The Preacher in My Head

One of the most marveling aspects of the Christian faith is that God makes his home inside the heart and mind of each believer. Christ, himself, said in John 14:23, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

Again he affirms just a few verses earlier that his Spirit will indwell his people, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)”

All through Scripture we are reminded of the present reality that God has made his home with us. The apostle Paul writes again and again to the early churches reminding them of the significant role that the Spirit plays in the life of a Christian (Romans 8:9 & 8:26-28, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 5:18). 

It should be no surprise then that as we grow in faith we recognize ourselves becoming more acutely aware of the movement of the Spirit in our lives. His presence should bring about new desires, attitudes, and the development of spiritual fruits that mirror the heart of Christ. 

As the Spirit makes himself more at home in my own heart and mind, I find that he has placed a new voice within my conscience. This voice, while quiet at times, reminds me of the riches of Christ. The voice tells me of God’s goodness when I am inclined to doubt it. The voice brings scripture to the forefront of my thinking and continually urges me back to the feet of my Savior. I refer to this voice as the little preacher in my head. He preaches in the morning, during my work calls, throughout my lunch break, and as I lay my head to sleep. He shows up at random times, just to remind me of how great the gospel is. 

I was sitting in a deer stand a while back and he started preaching right on que. I sat with my back against the tree and swayed back and forth in the wind, while the little preacher taught me the gospel once more. He led me through the depth and mystery of how a Holy God has joyfully saved undeserving sinners like me. He said it was for the joy set before him, that Christ died on the cross. He reminded me of the resurrection and that I too would be raised, if only I believe. 

I sat motionless and started thinking about how I wish I could verbally preach and teach the good news with the same earnest fervor that I heard in my own mind. I wondered if anyone else had a preacher in their head and what theirs was saying to them. This preacher has led me back to Christ time and time again, what a wonderful housewarming gift from the Spirit living in me. 

As I continue to mature in faith, I sense a growing desire to help others do the same. That is part of the reason why I write these blogs, I hope they stir something in your heart that causes you to crave Christ and his glory more! The Word of God is a powerful thing, which I desire to handle rightly. I want to help others see the light and life that is found within, but I wrestle with this desire. I am unsure about what to do with it at times. While I sat in that tree a while back, I jotted down a little poem outlining this internal struggle, which acts also as a prayer. 

My prayer is that as the Lord continues to lay a desire on my heart to teach and preach the gospel, he would also equip me with what I need to do so in a way that honors him. So, I hope you enjoy this poem. It is short and probably in need of some further editing, but it gets at the heart of what weighs on mine. I hope this prompts you to listen for the preacher in your head. 

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The Preacher in My Head

I heard a man preaching, just earlier today 

I stopped to take a listen, to hear what he might say

He had no church, nor pulpit, no audience to show 

He simply walks about, preaching as he goes

His cadence slow and steady

Words few, but at the ready 

He knows the Gospel truth, oh how very sweet

The preacher points me gently, back to my Savior’s feet

His tone is full of joy and he knows just how to feed

the Word of grace and mercy to this sinner deep in need 

“On towards Christ!”

“And on towards life!”

He shouts to me with a smile

“Press on in faith, do not fade away, keep trusting Him, oh child!”

I want to preach the gospel, to show others towards the Way 

I want to preach the gospel, like the man I heard today

But my cadence, unconvincing 

And voice cracking, now I’m sensing 

that no man like me is made to preach 

Am I equipped enough to teach? 

My words feel weak and legs do shake when I try to speak in love

Lord, I need your Holy Spirit, please send Him from above 

I trust your timing Father, you tell me not to dread

Lord Jesus, help me sound, like the preacher in my head

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Lord, help me to be patient as you continue to reveal your will for me. I trust that you will work all these things out in due time for my good and your glory, for it is your glory that I am after. 

Thank you for the gift of the little preacher in my head and your Spirit, who nourishes my every need.

Amen.