within
“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… 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. “
Romans 8:23-28 ESV
What a sweetness it is to recognize how known we are by the Holy Spirit, the one who dwells within us, closer than anyone around us, and loves us more fully than we can comprehend.
As I’ve been marinating on this verse, the word “within,” comes to mind and I can't help but be overwhelmed by the simplicity and complexity of how the word takes shape, specifically to me in two ways (I hope you find more meanings of it as you pray here).
The power within – Romans 8 reveals the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. So powerful and connected to God that he prays and petitions on our behalf, gives us strength in our weakness, and gives all the fruits of his spirit. How often do I take for granted the role of the Holy Spirit working on my behalf, the powerful role he has? My prayer is that we’d remember his greatness living and working within us.
The connectedness within - To know what we need from our groans takes a level of intimacy that no one but the Holy Spirit can have. What a sweetness it is to recognize how known we are by the Holy Spirit, the one who dwells within us, closer than anyone around us, and loves us more fully than we can comprehend. I pray we would feel ease knowing the one who knows, cares, and loves us most resides within our hearts, for “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.”
This week my hope is that we would be in awe of the Holy Spirit who lives within us in his power and in his intimate knowing of us. Would we know that we only need to be as we are and our friend the Holy Spirit will move on our behalf, out of his powerful position and his understanding of our hearts.
With love,
Bailey Williams
additional reading:
Romans 8:9 / John 14:26 / Romans 5:5
centering prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit so we can have full access to you. Holy Spirit, remind us of your presence always at work within us. We pray to feel your power as you move and work on our behalf this week. We pray to feel intimately known and loved by you and we want to love you in return. amen.
