The Holy Spirit

Romans 8:26-27

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

The Holy Spirit has been at work in my heart since I became a Christian at a young age. For this, I am very thankful. Without Him, I would lack any wisdom whatsoever. Not that I possess a great deal, but He has certainly revealed some truths to me.

More recently, He has opened my eyes to a whole new level of sin in my life - pride in particular. It has not been an easy road, and I have been a bit discouraged at coming face-to-face with the sin I previously had a general sense of. Yet even my discouragement is my pride speaking that I should be better than I am; and the Holy Spirit continues to reveal my sin to me.

I was a bit unsure of what to do today, as anything I tried just seemed to fail miserably. I couldn’t replace my self focus with Christ focus. I had an intermittent conversation with the Holy Spirit today about the issue, and even though it didn’t feel like I was really getting anywhere, I was thankful to have Him to talk to. It’s a bit encouraging to be able to approach the Creator of the universe with my measly little problems - which are sins and idolatries against Him, no less.

I am so thankful that, “...the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27) This - and the rest of the passage - greatly encouraged me tonight.

Even as God opens my spiritual covered trash can, He also intercedes for me in my own weakness and floundering. Jesus paid the price for my sin, accepted me as His own, and claims me as His child. He is still working things together for my good, has still justified me, is still for me, and no one can condemn me because of His amazing love. Nothing can separate me from His great love!

I am thankful the Holy Spirit is alive and active within me. Without Him, I would be lost. Do you practice the presence of the Holy Spirit?