On the Train to Zermatt

READ: PSALM 23; JOHN 13:35; EPHESIANS 3:14-21; 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-10

From the moment I sat down across from the young woman on the train, I felt overwhelming waves of sorrow rolling off her. She was perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties, with large blue eyes and blonde hair half-heartedly swept up. Her significant other held her hand tenderly, speaking softly to her in German. I couldn’t understand a word they said, but my soul was weighed down by their collective sorrow.

Perhaps she had lost a much-longed-for baby, or another loved one. Whatever her grief, it was profound. I began praying for her in my heart, lifting this sweet young woman before God’s throne. I prayed for comfort. I prayed Psalm 23 over her. I prayed that God would wrap His arms around her and convey to her aching heart how wide, long, high, and deep His love is for her.

Tears began spilling from her eyes, and then mine. Language is a barrier, but not for grief. I shared in her sorrow and wept with her. She took her glasses off to wipe the tracks of tears from her cheeks, and I could bear it no longer. I reached for her hand across the small train table. I motioned that I was compelled to pray for her—hoping that palms pressed together might be understood as a symbol of prayer.

I prayed aloud to my Jesus on her behalf, this beautiful young woman who seemed to be in desperate need. Jesus, you know her name and the depths of her misery. You can fill the empty spaces in her heart and bring the comfort she needs. Be with her now; be her peace. Surround her with your loving arms; carry her through this grief.

When I left my seat across from the young woman on the train, I placed my hand on top of hers. I looked into her tear-filled eyes and simply smiled. I hope that she felt what I couldn’t say: Love. • Savannah Coleman

• When we’re hurting, Jesus weeps with us (John 11:35). Likewise, He calls us to enter into one another’s sorrow and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Can you think of a time someone shared in your sorrow? Or you shared in someone else’s? What was that like?

• Consider taking a moment to pray for someone who is hurting. Even if you don’t know the particulars of their situation, God does, and He wants to show His love to them (Romans 8:26-27).

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (WEB)