The Holy Spirit Knows
By now many of you have experienced some sort of exasperation, brought on by what the world is calling a pandemic. You may have loved ones who fell ill, or have even died, and you feel like you have no recourse in relations to their comfort or to how to console them. Funerals have been held with only a few family members in attendance. While in the hospital, people have been isolated, even from their family members, making what they’re going through even more traumatic.
So what do we do? How do we lift these people up? During this time of fear and isolation, people have become sterile. You don’t dare hug them when there crying for fear you may give them a germ, or a bug. With masks on there are no smiles to be seen, and no pleasantries exchanged to one another. When your friends and loved ones are hurting how do you help?
In the past we have comforted them with food, hugs, smiles, holding hands, and tears. None of which are acceptable behavior in this day and age. So we will fall back on the ever constant in our life, which is the power of prayer. But now you’re faced with the quandary, for some, what do I pray? Do I pray for healing, comfort, or for the Lord’s will in their life?
So what do we do, how do we pray? When you have no words to express the heart wrenching hurt you and your loved ones are going through, what do you say to God? Is this pandemic a punishment for the world turning it’s back on God? That is a question only God can answer.
I have good news. When in the trials of our lives, we go through the loss of loved ones, health concerns, the ending of relationships, when our hearts are simply going to break in two, and we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit knows. When you are anxious and confused about a decision that looms before you, when you are weak, the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, will intercede for you to Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ ascended back into heaven he did not leave you on this earth to face trial and tribulation alone. He sent the Counselor, the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, someone to lift you up and pray when you have no words of your own.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7
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
So if you are facing what seems like unsurmountable odds., and when you don’t know where to turn or whom to turn to, take heart, because God has got you covered.
We as parents must show our children how to be strong when times get tough. We need to be examples and go to the Lord in prayer. And when we don’t know what to ask for, or what to pray, be silent, and listen for God’s voice of peace and comfort. He promised never to leave us or forsake us and we need to hold fast to that promise, and pass it on to our children. That way, they will always know how to obtain comfort and peace in times of trouble.
As authors we have been known to stir the pot. Sometimes we are not fully aware of what the ramifications of what we write will be. We need to be the voice of calm in the ciaos, and do our due diligence in researching hot topics before we give our opinion about such matters. We can either be part of a problem or part of the cure, but we cannot be both. Where will you stand?
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7
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
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalms 46:10&11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8