There are times…times when we don’t have the words to say at all. We have times when all we can do is simply take a deep breathe in and whisper a quiet prayer, “God, please give me the words to say.”
For me, this has been a recurring prayer and God has been faithful to provide words or silence as He has required them in the unsteady moments. I don’t ever want my words to be quick and foolish…and sometimes they are…but when it matters most? Yeah. Those are the times that I would rather be silent than further hurt someone whose heart is breaking with my hasty words. Sometimes I remember to add, “Lord, help me to be silent if you want me to be silent. If not…please give me the words. Please let my words be Your Words, Father.” God meets me there.
Around here, we’re all suddenly finding ourselves in one of those seasons. My heart is so heavy. Our community is experiencing great loss…waves of loss. It is hard to know what to say to bring comfort to the hurting friends and community members. From the outside, so many of us just want to help in some way. Kind exchanges of love that come in the forms of flowers, casseroles, cards, or visits…the small kindnesses matter. Those small acts of compassion are meaningful ways to express our deep concern and care for another’s breaking heart. Still, we truly want to do more. “We just have to keep praying,” we gently whisper to each other. “Keep praying…we don’t know what else to do.” Friends, keep praying. Continue to present your hearts to God. He will meet us there.
When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. ~Psalm 61:2
I read once, in a study of Nehemiah, that we often view prayer as the thing we do when we don’t know what else to do….or as the little thing we do before we do something that feels more meaningful. In times like this, I am reminded that prayer is the real work. It isn’t just the best we can do. No. The words we say to God? They matter. He embraces His children, knows their voices, calls them by name, and listens to their hearts. God longs to hear from the depths of our hearts…even when we don’t have the words to say. He is there, and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and He knows our hearts even in the midst of aching despair and uncertain times.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~Psalm 34:18 NIV
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~Matthew 5:4
Jesus, please be so near and help our hurting friends to feel the peace that only comes from You, Lord. You are our hope. Our hope is in You, Father. Thank you for Your unfailing love and Your Gospel of hope.
May you know and feel the embrace of His mercy. May your overwhelmed heart experience His overwhelming peace.
Joining with you in prayer, especially today, and standing with you in His promise of eternal hope.
Love always, ~Courtney
I’m got so much going on right now and have been on the precipice of being overwhelmed but prayer has kept me from leaping. Thank you for these sweet words of grace that have allowed me to sit and bask in His presence for a moment, reminded that He is a comforter. I stand firmly on the Solid Rock.
Tyra, I so relate to that overwhelmed feeling. Jesus is indeed my firm foundation. Keep standing on the Solid Rock. May we all cling to it when our hearts are overwhelmed. May we remember to run to Him whose peace is greater than that in the world. He is greater than the stress, the hurt, the fallen world around us and He has overcome. Thank you, Tyra for your kind and encouraging words today. I’m so honored that you took the time to read and to comment. May you feel his overwhelming peace in your heart today, as you go on.
I have been thinking a lot lately about being overwhelmed by God instead of life and how we get to the place over our cup overflowing and this is it – it is in prayer, in communion with God that he pours into our hearts – what a great message – glad you’re next to me on the #RaRaLinkup 🙂
I completely agree, Tania! In our communion with God, we can be restored and replenished. Thank you for stopping in from #RaRaLinkup to cheer on and to encourage!
Hi Courtney,
Visiting today as your neighbor in the RaRa linkup! I needed to hear these words today that God is with us during times of difficulty and loss — whatever that loss may be — loss of a person, dream or hope — thank you for these thoughts of encouragement!
Valerie, it means so much to me that the words God placed on my heart could be an encouragement to you. I’m so glad that you stopped in to say, “Hello,” from the #RaRalinkup. Thank you for being an encourager!
Wow! I think God is trying to tell me something! Over the last few days I have picked up so many books about the habit of prayer and this is the first post (newest post) on your blog!
I think I need to spend a considerable amount of time in prayer! Thank you so much and keep doing what you do.
Beth, it means so much to me to learn that God is using my words in addition to other resources to encourage you in the habit of prayer. Prayer is so powerful. May you be in awe of God’s goodness in the coming days!!!
What comfort in knowing that God is with us Courtney. He is always waiting for us and ready to hear our hearts. I feel like I am celebrating this with you as I read your post. Cheering your words and encouragement from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.
Thank you for cheering me on, Kelly! Hugs to you!!!
Courtney…I can so relate to this as I am in the process of moving. I have been searching for that “Overwhelming” Peace each day. I am thankful that God is with me always and He is never surprised by anything that occurs. Thank you for reminding us about the peace we have in God. We have to continue pursuing that peace always as we represent Christ.
Great looking blog too!
I am really, really enjoying your posts, Courtney! Thank you for this encouraging message. I am struggling with an overwhelming situation at the moment, and I needed to be reminded that prayer “…isn’t just the best we can do. ” XO
Valerie, yes. I am going to pray for you right now. May you feel the embrace of God’s arms around you. And thank you for your kind and encouraging words. It means so much to know my heart can encourage yours. Hugs to you, Valerie! God has you!
Beautifully written. I needed to hear this today. I lost my Daddy in April and I think pretty much refuse to mourn. It’s been a rough go since yesterday was veterans day and I couldn’t call him.. I spent most of the day choking back tears. Refusing to blog about my Daddy the marine. Maybe I can get it written today. I know that mourning will bring blessing. I’m not sure that I can do that just yet.. anyhow. Thank you for the post.
Blessings to you..
Jami, I am so sorry to hear that you are hurting and that you are missing your Daddy so badly. I know it must have been hard to not be able to call him yesterday. I will pray for you today. I hope you will be able to mourn in time and that it will bring healing. Hold tight to Jesus, sweet friend.
Hi! I hopped over from Twitter & I’m so glad I did. This touched my heart this afternoon. So often I’m prone to think of prayer as a little thing – something I can do when I have no other way to help/comfort. The truth is that prayer is a HUGE thing. Thanks for reminding me that God hears prayers & views them as important. Prayer isn’t just something we CAN do, but something we SHOULD do first.
I’d love for you to link this post to the new 100 Happy Days blog linkup if you feel led. 🙂 Here is the link if you’re interested. http://lifeofscoop.com/100-happy-days-linkup-week-4/
Thank you for stopping by, Alison! Yes, Ma’am!!! Prayer is a HUGE thing and we serve a GREAT God, don’t we?! I am prone to think of prayer as my last resort too. This is a good reminder for me, as well. To God be the glory! And yes!! I’d love to link up with your 100 Days of Happy! Happy is my favorite! 🙂
Thanks for linking up, Courtney! We appreciate it! 🙂
You are very welcome, Alison!
Beautiful post Courtney!! Our community has recently gone through a terrible tragedy too and these words are so helpful and comforting. Thank you so much for sharing with us at #100HappyDays. I would love to choose this post for my feature this week! Be sure to check back to the linkup Thursday and grab your button for being spotlighted!
Blessings,
Tiffany
Tiffany, I am so excited to read this!! I’ll be sure to check back at #100HappyDays on Thursday to see my featured post on your lovely site! It will be an honor to sport the #100HappyDays button on my site! Thank you, Tiffany!