Daily Devotions - Present Suffering and Future Glory

Romans 8:18-27 (NIV)
Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 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. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 

What does the Holy Spirit do for us when we don’t know how to pray?

 

Holy God, I don't even know what to say about what is going on today. My head is spinning with the continual changes from this crazy virus. Things that we would never have even considered doing are becoming reality and it's really turning everyone's life upside down.  I am sincerely concerned about those vulnerable and I am conscious of the problems it is creating with parents and businesses due to all the closures. It makes me frustrated by all of the hoarding and panic and I don't even know how to respond. Lord, my heart is heavy and unsettled. And then when people add serious illnesses, family problems, financial fears and grieving on top of this unrest, the burden is almost too much for the heart to bear. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit is in my heart. Your Spirit not only knows my heart but expresses those feelings that I can't put into words.  The Holy Spirit helps me in my weakness. The Spirit knows better than I what is best for me and prays accordingly.  I submit to Your Spirit to reach out in fervent prayers for healing and closure of this global crisis. Stop it's spread and heal the sick and shorten the duration of this interruption to life.  Let Your Spirit's prayers give me the inner peace, strength to trust I need to not only carry on but to look intently for those who need assistance during this time and act in love. Keep Your promise before me that the present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. You are a loving Father, You are in control and I trust in You. Amen