The Groaning Soul

Over the last week, I've found my soul groaning as it rolls around in the depths of struggle and uncertainty.

In all reality, the only prayers I have been able to give voice to are those for wisdom and discernment...and it has been frustrating.

Between trying to raise a teenage son who is struggling with the new fall school structure and navigating how to parent him through his first girlfriend; to trying to figure out how to best be there for someone who struggles with drug addiction; to making the decision to homeschool our children rather than send them to the homeschool charter program they are enrolled in...life just seems a bit muddled and overwhelming right now.

I'm confident that I am not the only one feeling overwhelmed with all that is going on, the decisions that need to be made, and how best to parent during a pandemic. Your soul may be groaning right now, and you don't know what it's saying, but know that God understands.

It's here that I can relate to what Paul was saying to the Romans in chapter 8, verse 26:

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

May you sense your groans reach toward the heavens, where our heavenly Father is lifting us up, carrying us through, speaking words of love and assurance, and giving us the wisdom and discernment we need to take the next step.

Your Spirit may feel heavy and burdened, but know that God is lifting you up in prayer.

You may be unable to come up with the words to pray, but know that God knows the exact words to pray over you.

Even though you may feel hopeless, tired, and uneasy, know that God is gently drawing your attention toward Him, where He knows your burdens will be lifted, your trust will be strengthened, and your worries will be calmed.

May you find wisdom and discernment at the feet of our Lord and Saviour.