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The Rescuer and the One in Trouble
The Rescuer and the One in Trouble
In Romans 8:26, speaking of the work of the Holy Spirit, Paul writes, " 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." The Holy Spirit "helps," lending "a hand together with, at the same time with one" (AT Robertson) and coming to the aid of one (Bauer). This is said in connection with the Christian's prayer life. It is an acknowledgement that sometimes we need the help of God's Spirit in particularly agonizing times, times where words like "weakness" and "groanings" describe the struggles in prayer.
In the same passage, Paul says the Spirit "intercedes," a picturesque word of rescue by one who 'happens' on one who is in trouble and 'in his behalf' pleads with 'unuttered groanings' or with 'sighs that baffle words'" (Reinecker 367). What graphic imagery! When I am in real trouble, no one can help me like God can. Sometimes, only God can help me when I am in trouble. Paul teaches that there is no depth of struggle or trial in prayer too complex or incomprehensible for the omniscient God. As the Psalmist once wrote, "Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications" (Ps. 130:1). Paul is saying, "The Lord does hear and is attentive not only to my voice, but even to the unspoken, unutterable fears, desires, and longings in my heart that cannot be formed into words on my lips when I pray.
Our God is a God of rescue (Ps. 18:19; 116:8; 136:24). He has rescued man in dramatic ways, from the Red Sea crossing to Jericho to Gideon's tiny army to Calvary's cross. He has demonstrated that He wants to help us and will freely extend Himself to do so. But, He wants us to reach out to Him and appeal for help. Even when the words will not exactly come to us, He knows the intent and desire and He looks with an eye toward aiding His children (1 Pet. 3:12). Do not only come to Him when in trouble, but do come to Him when in trouble. You do not have trouble too big for Him to come along and rescue you from it.
Trust that! --Copied
