Speechless

In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Isaiah 63:9

If someone has never suffered from depression, it might be difficult for that person to imagine feeling weak and lonely. Those close to us try to understand and offer comfort, but their words often rebound off the barrier of depression, leaving us feeling separated from them.

Depression can create the sense of being alone, especially when there seems to be no one who understands how we feel. Our pain is not something that can be seen, or corrected with a bandage or cast. We might try to explain what we believe is going on in our bodies and minds, but depression can be perplexing, even to ourselves. How do we explain what is happening when we don’t fully understand? The inability to communicate effectively can leave us feeling more isolated, with nowhere to turn.

If people around us—people we can see—can’t understand what we’re going through, what about God, whom we can’t see? The Bible encourages us to bring our heart’s desires to God. But what happens when we have no words?

The good news is that the Lord “gets it.” God understands what we need—even when we cannot speak. Romans 8:26 says the Holy Spirit will help us when we are at our weakest, and when we do not have the words, he will speak for us “with groanings too deep for words” (esv). When we are feeble, he is there, giving us what we need to take the next step. And the next. And we can keep relying on him for the steps to come. He will carry us through.

God gets it. When you reach out to Him, he is not looking for fancy words that would impress your English teacher. He sees your heart. A groan, a look, a sigh—he speaks every language. He understands.

Max Lucado

Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused.

Charles Spurgeon

Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue.

Adam Clarke

For Further Reflection

Deuteronomy 1:31; Deuteronomy 32:11

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to remember your promises—that you are always with me and you know me. Help me to remember to reach out to you when I have no words, knowing that you hear me. Amen.