Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:24-27
We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Jesus promised us “another comforter” (John 14:16), who is our advocate and intercessor. Paul writes “the Holy Spirit prays for us in groanings that cannot be expressed in words”. This teaches that even when we don’t know what to pray for, “the Spirit pleads for us”.
Paul explains that the hope we have in God is much more than wishful thinking. God’s promise gives us the confidence to wait patiently for salvation. The presence of the Holy Spirit encourages us and gives us the strength to follow the path set for us.
In Romans 8:18 Paul tells us that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”. It reminds us that we aren’t promised easy lives here, but rather eternal life to come. When we live as Christ taught us, loving God and one another, our hope is assured.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the Holy Spirit, Your presence with us always. Bless us to share the joy and confidence we have in You with all the world. Amen.
