This week has been a good week, but they all are.  Sure, there are trials, and some can be challenging, but ultimately God is in control.  I have stood in awe of God this week.

I am always amazed by Him, but this week as I prayed I found it hard to find the words to give Him the praise that He is worthy of receiving.  I just got stuck.  At that moment I was at a loss for any words, but I knew that the Holy Spirit interceded for me.  It is not that He poked me in the heart and said. “I got this.” I know because God told me through His servant Paul

Romans 8

In Romans 8 Paul talks about life in the Spirit and about two-thirds of the way through the chapter he tells of another place where we need not worry.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)

²⁶ 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. ²⁷ 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.

What comfort there is in this passage; what peace.  Sometimes I have no words that can express the burning of my heart.  I get lost or overwhelmed especially when it comes to the majesty of God.  I just struggle to find the words to describe Him and to praise Him, but the Holy Spirit knows my heart.  God has given me that comfort and confidence in His Word.  It is there for me to learn.

John

I look at the word and am amazed at all that God gives us in it if we will prayerfully study it with an open heart and mind.  Jesus promised that He would not leave His disciples as orphans.  He promised to send a helper

John 14:15-17 (ESV)

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, ¹⁷ even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

What a wonderful promise we have in this passage, and unlike us, God keeps His promises, and He did in Acts 2

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)

¹ When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³ And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Reflections

What comfort we have in the Holy Word.  I am humbled when I read it.  It is a living document that I learn something new every time I open it.  God gives me the understanding that I need every day.  There is a promise in Isaiah that is so powerful.

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)

¹⁰ “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

¹¹ so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

If you take just a moment to think about this, it will blow your mind.  This Word of God that we hold in our hand describes the creation of the universe and everything that has happened, but there is still more to come, and God promises His Word, “it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.“, And I believe in His promises. They give me comfort, joy, and contentment that I cannot find in the world.

Proverbs 3

I think about this peace and contentment, and I think of Proverbs 3:5-8.  This passage is one of those that just strengthens me and reminds me to focus on God, not myself.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

⁸ It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

He provides for me in all ways if I will truly trust in Him.  But this passage reminds me of another that reminds me even more strongly not to rely on myself but deny myself.

Luke 9

In Luke 9 Jesus speaks of dying to myself.  Placing all my faith and trust in him.

Luke 9:23-27 (ESV)

²³ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. ²⁵ For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? ²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. ²⁷ But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Jesus is more direct than Proverbs.  He explains that we must lose our lives for His sake.  If we do not surrender to Him completely, we will lose our lives.  But that should not scare us but fill us with hope, and a desire to give our all to Jesus,”⁷ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV).  Our strength may not be sufficient, but John explains that we are not alone.

1 John 4:4 (ESV)

⁴ Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

What amazing comfort I find in that certainty.  My God is an awesome God!!

Closing Thoughts

These passages from God’s Word fill my heart and lift my confidence always.  I may have disappointments and challenges, but those circumstances will not take the joy that God has filled me with the Holy Spirit and His Word.  It is more than I can put into words.  So rather than fretting over how to describe that joy I like Paul’s advice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (ESV)

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies, ²¹ but test everything; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

²³ Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Praise God!!

Prayer

Father, thank you for all your promises.  Thank you for sharing each with us in Your Word in your time.  I pray Father that every day my wisdom may grow, and I might grow closer to You through your Word and prayer so that my testimony and faith may grow stronger and you may shine through me to bring glory to you.  In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!