November 7th

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:26-27

When life’s circumstances don’t make any sense and it seems like God didn’t hear our prayers, how do we learn to cope with what God is doing? We need the eyes of our hearts and minds to be open to see the possibilities of God’s actions and plans. In the blindness of our humanity, we have a tunnel vision for what we think is the proper response of God. It is only God who can balance the needs of our heart with eternity.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to help us in our weakness and to intercede when our frail and weak words do not come because we are overwhelmed with grief and pain. When the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, He only speaks and prays for us according to God’s will. This intercession on our behalf takes away the helpless and fearful thoughts from us because we are not alone in our trials and afflictions. The wisdom and love of the Holy Spirit turns us from helpless to hopeful as we look to the future.