Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (142) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26.27

Thoughts on the Epistle to the Romans (142)
The earthly existence of a Christian in his mortal body is not yet characterised by "glory", but by "weakness". Weakness is not sin. Jesus Christ, who intercedes with God for us, sympathises with believers' weaknesses (cf. Hebrews 4:15); and the Spirit of God "helps us in our weaknesses". That could never be said of sin.

By sin is meant the limitation of our physical and mental energy, which expresses itself in illness, fear and in many other ways. A believer could succumb to the temptations of sin through his weakness, with which he has to do in the difficulties of life. But he receives strength from Christ in heaven and the Spirit of God in himself.

In his weakness a Christian sometimes gets into situations that so overtax him that he does not know what he should pray for. But he then seeks fellowship with God. He senses that he cannot express himself in words, but can only groan.

It is the Spirit of God who produces such feelings and groanings in the believer, and He identifies Himself with them. And God, who "searches the hearts" finds there what He can approve of, for what the Holy Spirit produces corresponds to the will of God.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Leviticus 1:1-17 · Psalm 47:1-10