TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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 through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Read: Romans 8:26
Listen: Romans 8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Paul knows his readers are looking for help. Suffering persecution and dealing with pain, they’re looking for relief anywhere they can. Recognizing this, Paul doesn’t tell them help is on the way. He tells them that help is already there in the form of the Holy Spirit. When they came to trust Jesus, God’s very presence—in ways not fully understood—came to live inside them. Because God is now with them in their pain and suffering, they don’t have to face it alone. The Spirit is there to help.
When we trust in Jesus to make us right with God, his Spirit also lives in us. He provides the same help he gave to 1st-century Romans. One thing the Spirit does is to intercede on our behalf before the Father. This means that in our pain and suffering—when we don’t even know what or how to pray—God’s Spirit does. In ways beyond our comprehension, the Spirit brings our needs before the Father. God is interceding for us!
It can be easy for us to forget that God is with us. Days can be long and lonely. We think that no one understands or cares. Relief from pain does not come. But the Gospel provides both hope and help. The God who entered our suffering in Jesus still enters our suffering today. He provides the help we need to endure and keep going. You are not alone. It’s not all on you.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Listen to the song, “Promises.” Let these lyrics remind you of God’s presence and faithfulness, “Though the storms may come, and the winds may blow, I’ll remain steadfast. And let my heart learn that when you speak a word, it will come to pass. Great is your faithfulness to me.”
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
March is FASTING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
