In the previous devotionals (Part I and Part II), I explored ways to support others as they trudge through the darkest valleys of life, particularly when conventional wisdom has failed. I emphasized the importance of “bearing one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and reminding others of the truths found in God’s Word. Finally, I want to highlight the critical significance of sharing the boldness of your faith.
Every day, I come across people who are in need of prayer. As a habit, I used to offer the standard phrase, “I will keep you in my prayers.” However, through my personal experience of going through my own darkest valley, I discovered something that made an even greater impact.
Please note that I am NOT discouraging you from adding hurting people to your prayer list and informing them of your intentions. I am simply sharing a personal example of something that made a vast difference in my ability to help others. I have learned that pausing what I am doing and asking someone if I can pray with them can be even more powerful than saying, “I will pray for you” and moving on. In certain deep valleys, even strong believers may struggle to find the strength to pray with boldness, but someone else’s boldness can ignite the boldness in another person! Boldness begets boldness! As believers, we should exercise our prayer life diligently so that when the time comes for us to audibly speak to God on behalf of someone in pain, we can confidently approach His throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:16)
If you find it challenging to articulate your prayers, consider selecting a Psalm and praying it over them. Psalm 22 is a good example:
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him;” lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Psalms 13:1-6
Praying this Psalm can help express those sorrowful feelings, plead the cause of those hurting, and return their thoughts to the truth about God.
Remember, we are in a continuous spiritual battle. While we may not be in the heat of the battle, we are called to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Paul, in providing instruction on how to prepare for the spiritual battles, also provides insight on how to help one another:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
When we remain attuned to God’s Spirit, He will guide us in identifying those around us who are hurting, and He will grant us the wisdom and discernment needed to provide the best support during their darkest valleys.
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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