Our Hope and Comfort

How does the Holy Spirit provide support in times of disaster and pandemic? We will examine some interesting portions of Scripture, which provides insight and revelation on the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It is my fervent prayers for all our readers to be blessed and encouraged by what the Lord is saying to us at this strategic time in our history.

The Holy Spirit is our teacher and the One who reveals the truth of our destiny (1Cor.2:9-10.)         

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

Life in this world can be challenging and hopeless. In some places, there is fear and a constant threat to life and wellbeing. Against the background of untold suffering and daily misery, our Lord provides hope and comfort to the fearful and destitute. The Holy Spirit has revealed our unthinkable and unimaginable destiny. By this revelation, through the Holy Spirit, our Lord has brought comfort and hope to our hearts.

The Holy Spirit Loves us (Romans 15:30)

"Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me”

The apostle Paul is calling on the church to strive together with him in prayer. As the Holy Spirit demonstrates His love for us, so must we show the same love towards others through our prayers. It is encouraging to know that amidst our challenges the Blessed Holy Spirit has not forgotten or abandoned us. We may not understand why we have to go through some things, but we do have the assurance in our hearts that He will not leave us or forsake us. The full love of the Holy Spirit is directed towards the believers.

The Holy Spirit Prays for us (Romans 8:26)

 “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered."

In this verse, the apostle Paul is taking us on a very profound journey into the intercessory works of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believers. When we are under heavy stress and difficulties, it becomes difficult to even pray. It seems evident from the above verse, that in times of our weakness, the Holy Spirit steps in and picks us up like an eagle.

Moreover, when we do not know how to pray or what to say because we are so encumbered and burdened, He makes intercession for us. Sometimes all we can do under the influence of the Holy Spirit is to groan. The deep cry of our hearts can find expression through the Holy Spirit to the Father.

The Holy Spirit cries for us (Galatians 4:6)   

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

The Holy Spirit, from deep inside our hearts, raises a cry to God the Father for our lives. The expression “Abba Father” is very intimate and can truly be expressed from the heart of a believer in Christ. Others may call Him ‘Father’ but we call Him ‘Abba Father’. It is very comforting to know that the Holy Spirit is truly our friend. He provides hope and comfort in times of trouble.   

In times of disaster and pandemic, like what we are now faced with, we tend to look for help from human sources at least for immediate relief. Temporary support can be provided to help alleviate the struggles for basic needs such as food and shelter. It is heart-rending to witness the sufferings of children and the elderly in such grim circumstances. However, the Holy Spirit is our greatest companion of hope and comfort at all times. 


Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Paul Mursalin is a member of the International Board of Barnabas Aid from Guyana.