Unspeakable

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

A ten-year-old girl had died. Though I didn’t know her personally, the tragic circumstances surrounding her death—and the fact that I had a daughter the same age—made the loss hit a little harder than it might have otherwise.

I found myself tearing up at odd moments over the next couple of days, grieved over the heavy weight of her death, the terrible injustice of the situation, and her family’s profound and irrevocable loss. I couldn’t help but wonder, How is it possible to feel grateful in this circumstance? The situation felt irredeemable.

The truth is that this world is often brutal and cold. Evil exists, and people can make bad decisions with ripple effects that spill over to innocent people. In the face of tragedy, we can feel helpless, not knowing how to respond.

Over the next few days, each time the child’s family came to mind, I tried to pray yet felt helpless to find the words. All I could muster was the whispered plea, Jesus, be near. As time passed, peace began to steal over me—not because the words I said were magical but because they reminded me that I wasn’t alone in my grief.

In fact, the Bible tells us that we are never alone when we pray. When Jesus left this earth to return to the Father, he sent the Holy Spirit—our advocate and comforter—so that we need never be alone. When the reality of life feels unspeakable—when the pain of this world silences us—the Spirit comes alongside us in our distress, speaking in ways that we cannot find the strength or courage to do ourselves. He has not left us. He is still here, even now. We are never alone. That is a reason to be grateful.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Ask the Holy Spirit for help in a situation that feels impossible. Thank him for his presence.