He Intercedes

This song makes me cry.

Oh to rest in the arms of the Father — and to stay there.

Joy and Hope for Christmas. 😀 I lost my original Joy mug months ago and missed it terribly. Needless to say, I was quite thrilled to discover Jesse had got another one for me (thanks brother!) — and then a little bit later unwrapped the Hope mug! (Dad, you’re the best!)

Hope was the theme of my whole year, in case you haven’t got that by now. That and finding joy — not just when life is happy, but also in times of pain and heartache and tears.

 I wish I could say I have successfully discovered entirely how to do this. I haven’t. I’m weak. There is not much strength to fight and hope. Just when I think there cannot possibly be any more tears left inside of me, I cry more. But I have discovered that God already knows that, and He’s given us a promise specifically for those times:

^“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.”

[Romans 8:22-28]

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -1 Corinthians 12:9a

The Spirit intercedes for us when we are too weak and worn to pray ourselves. He knows our hearts, our intents, our true desires. He knows what we’re trying to say, even when we don’t know ourselves. This is so so comforting!

Thank You Spirit, for interceding.

And I realize this anew — He can best work in us when we are weak, because it is then that we recognize that any strength we have is only from Him. So often it’s easy to think that I have to have it all together and do everything perfectly for Him and never fail… not true. He takes us and leads us and holds us close wherever we are. (Even if we cry on His shoulder every night.) It’s then that He can pour His power into us.

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms; He will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” -Isaiah 40:11

 Thank You Jesus, Great Shepherd.