I Have No Words

But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying.

Romans 8:26-27 NLT

A parent with devastating news posted a prayer request in our group. While the rest of us stumbled with our responses, one woman wrote, “I have no words.”

Haven’t we all been there? The pain, the grief, the abandonment, the rejection, the despair have rocked us to the core. We want to pray, to cry out, but no words come.

The Bible can help us put our feelings into words.

My tears flow endlessly; they will not stop. My heart is breaking (Lamentations 3:49, 51). [They] wept loudly until they had no strength left to weep (I Samuel 30:4).

My plans are ruined, even the dear things of my heart. Where is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? (Job 17:11, 15)

I call for help, but there is no justice. All of my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me (Job 19:7, 19).

I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart (Psalm 38:6-8).

God invites us to come to him in our suffering. As we pour out our pain and confusion and doubts to God, He will remind us of HIs promises and who He is.

Job is not told why he was suffering, but—as he stood in that place between pain and God’s promises—his hope in God was renewed. He exclaimed, But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. I will see God! (Job 19:25, 26).

Father, as we struggle with the pain, confusion, and questions, remind us to turn to you. Help us to lay all of our thoughts and feelings before you. Remind us of who you are and that you will bring good out of our suffering.

Terri

 All Scripture references are taken from the New Living Translation.