HIGHLIGHT
Romans 8:26 (ESV): 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
EXPLAIN
In Romans 7, Paul wrote of the terrible power of the carnal nature, to cause us to do what we know is wrong and don’t really want to do. But in Romans 8, he says there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8 is a chapter of freedom and release, but also of obligation. We are not bound to live by the flesh anymore, but to follow the Spirit. As we live by the Spirit, he bears witness to us that we are God’s children… “provided that we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17).
This mention of suffering then led Paul to discuss how the whole world is suffering and in turmoil until the end of time when God comes to recreate the world.
But, as our highlighted verse states, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. In everything, God works for the good for those who love him. And we can rest assured that if God is for us, we are in good hands! We are more than conquerors… through Christ!
APPLY
Before I began this devotional time, I read a news article about the tragedy in Miami. About half an apartment building collapsed a few days ago. Five have been reported dead, and some 150 are still missing.
Nearby churches first prayed for miracles, but now that so much time has passed and survivors have not been found, the churches are praying for God’s comfort for the grieving.
My Old Testament reading for today is Job 14-16, in which Job despaired of hearing from God. He felt like his suffering was unjust, but God was not answering his cry. Instead, he felt like God’s response to him was like a running creek wearing away the soil and rocks or like archers surrounding a target, pumping arrows in their victim.
While we may not personally have suffered a tragedy like those in Miami have or like Job did, there are many times in our lives that we do not know how to pray. We should not expect that God will miraculously make things better so that we do not experience heartache and suffering. Romans 8:17 suggests that suffering is a necessary part of our growth in Christlikeness.
But we can know in times of desperation that the Spirit intercedes for us. When we do not know what to say, the Spirit prays for us with groaning unable to be expressed by language.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, I pray for the Holy Spirit’s intercession for me today. While I might express many things in prayer, I desire his prayer that I might live in your will. Have your way with me, Amen.
Have Thine own way Lord
Have Thine own way
Thou art the potter I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting yielded and still
Adelaide A. Pollard