Words Cannot Express!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Romans 8:26-27

What is a baby thinking when he is crying? Well, of course the baby is thinking, “I’m hungry, thirsty, or wet.” But the baby begins life and cries before he knows these concepts and of course without any words with which to express his feelings. Over the next few months and years the baby learns to speak words that let his mother know what he feels and needs. These words slowly take the place of screaming about felt needs!

But the limits of language, any language still remain in place. The human capacity for feeling is bigger than any words can express. When you speak the words “I love you” to one who is dear to your heart, you are expressing one snowflake in a blizzard of emotion. As you might guess, I am struggling to find the words to adequately communicate the inadequacy of words!

So when I pray how do I say to God the things that I feel for which there are no words? There are times when I simply cry like a baby! A small vocabulary does not change the depth of my thoughts and needs before God. No one would say that a man and his wife who cannot read or write and have a limited vocabulary cannot have a relationship that is as full and meaningful as a couple with college educations. Vocabulary does not determine relationship. The communication that goes on between couples without words is usually greater and more complex than any words could express.

In light of this, consider these words in Romans 8:26. “The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

When you cry out to God the Holy Spirit goes to God on your behalf. He tells God the things that you could never put in to words! The Holy Spirit like a good mother hears your cry and knows immediately what you need.

Don’t spend your life trying to find the right words to say to God. Like a newborn baby raise your voice and cry out to God! There is nothing more beautiful than the first cry of a baby!