Belated reflection for Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008

Romans 8:14-30

It is human nature to want what we haven't got. It's hard to not look at the latest gadget or fashion trend and want it for our own, regardless of what our better angels might advise. Or, as Paul put it in this selection, "hope that it is seen is no hope at all." (v. 18) This desire is bad enough when it comes to our material comforts, but can be insufferable when matters of the sprit are concerned. At least we can stare at the latest iPod; what can we look at or touch to make us feel better about our fears and hopes? The iPod won't help - nor will any other tangible thing in the long run.

The answer is that our present wants cannot compare with the glories to be revealed within us (v. 18). No matter what is in front of us - problems at school, with friends, the Knicks - all of these daily frustrations are insignificant compared to the promise of being reunited with Christ in heaven. But being human - and wanting more immediate comfort - what can we turn to?

Sometimes we may not even understand what is causing our frustration or sorrow. The beauty of the Holy Spirit, though, is that we don't even have to know what it is we need from the Lord - "in the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness." (v. 26) We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit itself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. How amazing is that! God knows what we need and what we are feeling even before we know ourselves; all we have to do is pray without words and the Lord hears our hearts and responds for our good. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (v. 28)

This doesn't mean that we will get everything that we want out of life or that only good will happen to us once we trust in the Lord. I'm sure we have all had times when our parents forbid us from doing something that we wanted to do saying that it's "For your own good" - and most of the time they were right! If our parents, who are human and therefore fallible, move at times for our own good, how much more does God, who loves us with a perfect and holy love, arrange things for our good. Our final act of faith is to understand that what is best for us in God's eyes is not something we can truly grasp, but we put our hope and trust in him regardless of what that might mean for us in the present.

By Katy and Matt