NO MISUNDERSTANDING

Alexa, Siri and other voice assistants in our smart devices sometimes misunderstand what we’re saying. A six-year-old talked to her family’s new device about cookies and a dollhouse. Later her mum got an email confirming an order of seven bags of cookies and a £200 dollhouse were on their way to her home. Even a talking parrot in London, whose owner had never bought anything online, somehow ordered a package of golden gift boxes without her knowledge. One person asked their device to “turn on the living room lights,” and it replied, “There is no pudding room.”

There’s no misunderstanding on God’s part when we talk with Him. He’s never confused, because He knows our hearts better than we do. The Spirit both searches our hearts and understands God’s will.

Paul told the churches in Rome that God promises He will accomplish His good purpose of maturing us and making us more like His Son (ROMANS 8:28). Even when, because of “our weakness”, we don’t know what we need in order to grow, the Spirit prays according to God’s will for us (VV. 26–27).

Confused about how to talk to God? Not sure what or how to pray? Say what you can with honesty. The Spirit will help us; and God will never misunderstand. He knows us perfectly.

Thinking it over . . .

What’s on your mind right now that you should share with God? How are you encouraged by the truth that He knows and understands what you’re facing?