Heart Growns

By Cheri Cowell –

Sometimes there are no words. Words are inadequate to express our deepest thoughts and feelings. The news of terrible tragedies combined with several heavy burdens that some of my friends are bearing has caused me to come before God with a heavy heart—and no words. I sit before Him unable to articulate my despair, my fears, and my anger at a world filled with so much sin. One moment I’m angry, the next I am filled with compassion, and then I feel small and insignificant. All of this occurs within a few moments. It’s no wonder I can’t find the words—they won’t come fast enough. In times like these, I’m comforted in knowing that God knows our hearts, hears our cries, and is working on our behalf even when we do not know what we need. Do you need to be reassured today?

In our scripture, the word sighs is the same as the Greek words for groan, unutterable, or inarticulate. In other words, the Holy Spirit’s goal is to interpret our innermost thoughts and feelings to the Father so our purest and most heartfelt motives are heard by Him. When our heart is moved by compassion, we are speaking in a language only understood by our Triune God. There is no need for us to feel frustrated by our inability to communicate with words when our hearts are speaking for us.

PRAYER: I praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit and for the Spirit’s work of intercession. Thank You for filling me with Your compassion as I join with millions around the world whose hearts are groaning in unison with Yours.

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26, 27 KJV).

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com