Thursday, February 13, 2014
Romans 8:26 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.
CHIEF OF SINNERS THOUGH I BE -- THE HOLY SPIRIT PRAYS FOR ME
With all the hardship that sin brings into life, it's always nice to have someone to depend on. Perhaps for you this someone is a close friend, relative, spouse, or a respected teacher. What this kind of support system shows is that it’s much easier to make it through life with the help of others. Very few are comfortable being alone in life, or bearing all their burdens alone.
When you think of those who have helped you out in the past, don't forget to name the Holy Spirit among them. In this verse we see another instance of the Lord promising relief to sinners, this time through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Paul nails it on the head when he talks about not knowing how to pray as we ought. Every Christian has gone through harsh reminders of a lax prayer life, often brought about by the comforts and pleasures that sin entices us with.
But take heart that the Holy Spirit doesn't wait for you to earn His worthiness before He gets involved. Rather, He intercedes on your behalf at exactly the moment you need Him -- in times of weakness. And what does the Holy Spirit offer on your behalf? Our verse says, "groanings too deep for words." Another way of thinking about this is "petitions that are unspeakable." The Holy Spirit actually prays on your behalf in a way that you can't even understand, in a way that words cannot adequately express. What a revelation from God about another amazing act of His love on behalf of sinners!
Next time you have a bad day, or are distressed and doubtful about God's work in your life, remember this amazing insight that He gives you into the Trinity. The Holy Spirit works on your behalf, asking of the Father what you by your sinful nature cannot. You have someone reliable that you can lean upon in any situation, even when you don't ask for it. Yes, despite all the harm that sin has brought into your life, the Spirit of God cares for you and prays for you.
