If you use Microsoft Word, you are familiar with little “Paper Clip Guy.” Every time I start writing a letter, up he pops! “It looks like you’re writing a letter. Would you like help?” The first time I saw it, I thought it was cute. Now, it’s just annoying because I have to stop and click my mouse to put him back wherever he stays when I don’t need his help! And frankly, most of the time, I really don’t need him. I’ve been writing letters a long time, and can pretty much handle that myself, thank-you-very-much!
But this morning, Paper Clip Guy helped me see something important! I’ve recently started a project that’s bigger than me. I’m excited about it, but I’m also a little bit scared (well, actually, maybe a lot scared!). I had decided to sit at my computer and try to put into words, on paper where I could see it, my prayer to God concerning this project and the conflicting, difficult and scary parts of it. So I opened Word and started my letter. “Dear God,” when, BOING, up pops Paper Clip Guy! “It looks like you’re writing a letter. Would you like help?” As I moved my hand to send him packing, I said out loud (ok, yes, I admit I talk to him now and then!!), “yeah, I WISH you could help me write this!” Click. Off he went, back to his virtual paper clip tray.
Then it hit me. He’s like the Holy Spirit! (Wouldn’t Bill Gates get a kick out of that?!) But really, read this:
“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, NIV).
I remember a time several years ago when I was hurting so bad and I kept trying to pray but I had so much trouble putting into words what my heart was aching to say to God! In my devotional time one day, this verse was brought to my attention. I vividly remember tears streaming down my face as I asked the Holy Spirit to intercede, to speak for me, to take my intense need to the throne of God. I remember the relief that washed over me as I realized that communication was not impossible. The Holy Spirit saw that I was “writing a letter” and asked “Would you like help?” Oh, yes! Oh, yes I would like help!
What an awesome God we serve–one who provides a part of Himself to speak on our behalf to Him!
© Debbie Collins Parker
February 3, 2004 Debbiedcp@aol.com