RM article on Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s Power and Presence in Times of Crisis

Are you going through a severe test? Maybe you have lost your appetite or you haven’t slept well for weeks or months. Fear and panic have replaced quietness and peace. You experience loneliness, discouragement, and isolation, complicated by unending physical or emotional pain. You’ve prayed and asked others to pray as well. And still, there is no relief.

I experienced this kind of gnawing disquiet several years ago. I was enduring not one but several significant trials, which intensified weekly. On one of the lowest days in my life, I walked to a hill close to where I lived, slumped down on the sticks and twigs, and began to cry. Staring over the hills, I wept . . . then sobbed, until my hands and face were soaked. The sorrow turned into sighs and groans of anguish that no words could describe.

image of Holy Bible and notebook

In those several hours, the Holy Spirit was at work, providing a calm and quiet stillness as the Spirit interceded on my behalf. As I walked back to my home, nothing about the trials had changed, but I had changed. I had experienced the intimate ministry of the Holy Spirit. When our prayers and words cease to express the full measure of our pain, the Spirit provides reassurance, consolation, and relief by interceding on our behalf.

Romans 8:26–27 promises:

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Yes, I found this great promise to be true, especially in my darkest trials. Have you experienced Christ’s powerful care given through the Holy Spirit in your soul?

image of man sitting on stump praying

Additional Resources

Reframing Ministries and Insight for Living Ministries have put together several excellent resource pages. If you or someone you know is enduring difficult days and needs the hope and comfort our Lord provides, please check out these pages:

Reframing Ministries: https://reframingministries.com/recommended-resources/for-parents-caregivers-and-loved-ones/
Insight for Living Ministries: https://store.insight.org/c-65-encouragement-and-healing.aspx

Finally, if the Holy Spirit has filled your soul with comfort during a difficult season, would you share your story with us? When I have been discouraged or depressed, hearing another’s story of hope and healing has provided abundant encouragement. Let’s provide a community of care by sharing hope with each other.

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