Held

Our Bible study small group has been moving slowly through the book of Romans. We recently completed Romans chapter eight, that heart cry of victory for believers. We talked of and rejoiced in the overwhelming love of God and His steadfastness in keeping His children.

Now, today, I am waiting in the hospital with our eight-year-old granddaughter who has just had emergency open-heart surgery.

Waiting and praying.

Praying and waiting.

It would be foolish for me to say that anxiety has not gripped my heart or that I am not burdened for her. I would be dishonest if I said that praying has been easy.

As I sit here, though, the words in Romans 8:26 – 27 resonate in my heart.

²⁶ 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. ²⁷ 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, NKJV).

I bow my head, and words don’t come, but the Holy Spirit is praying for me. God is praying, interceding on behalf of our granddaughter and our family. I don’t have the words to pray, but He does, and He knows what is best.

Those verses are followed by the confident statement in Romans 8:28.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, NKJV).

I know, and I rest in what I know.

God is working.

God is good. He is innately good. This speaks to His character, not to happenings that please me.

He is intimately involved with all that is going on in our lives.

He has a purpose.

I can trust Him.

This is the victory that shouts through trials and sorrows and tears. This is the confidence that allows my heart to keep beating. This is the triumph song of the Christian.

We, our granddaughter, our family, are supported and held by Him.

Father, Thank You for holding us, for keeping us, for lifting hearts, for healing, for Your great love. May we continue to wait on You and rest in You.

A Good Listen: My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62)

Whatever sorrow or problem has you in its grip today, it is not bigger than God. Look to Him. Trust Him.