Yesterday, I woke up with so many thoughts tumbling on my heart about the Paris attacks, I decided to take you on my morning walk and say hi from California on a cool, autumn breezy day.
I created a short video devotional at a stop along the trail to share words of encouragement from the Psalms. Click the video above and watch this short Soul Mocha Devotional.
I have only been to Paris once. I had been saving for years, since I first began working. So when my boss gave me a special bonus one year, I bought a ticket to France. And guess what time of the year I chose to go? My favorite soulful season: autumn. Nobody would know it, but as I stood under the Eiffel Tower, the wounding relationships — some of which I shared about in my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest — tore at my heart.
I didn’t know what to do, except hold onto hope. There I stood, in the beauty of leaves fallen fresh, yet hope laid fragile in my heart. As I looked up at the sculpture of steel and sky, I whispered, “God, I need you. Show me the way.” I was 28 years old.
So, as stories streaming from the Paris attacks flowed, it brought me to reflect on the hope and comfort God longs for us to experience. Whenever we feel vulnerable, God draws near, right where we are journeying today.
A Soul Mocha Devotional
For those who prefer to read today’s Soul Mocha Devotional in words…
As I was reflecting and reacting to the tragic news of what’s happened in Paris and thinking of the people who are suffering from the loss of those who have died, I think we are all left feeling vulnerable. Because these are just everyday people enjoying a beautiful evening in a beautiful city, the city of lights – and it leaves us asking a lot of questions, and trying to find words as to how we would pray or how we would think about what’s happened.
As I was thinking about all this, God led me to a verse in Psalms 10:17, which is very, very comforting. I want to share it with you, that it can be a source of comfort for you and encouragement. In Psalm 10:17, it says that –
“Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.
Surely you will hear their cries
and comfort them.”
Psalm 10:17
I love that it tells us that those who are left hopeless — for those of us who feel hope can’t be found, during those times in our lives we can’t see where the hope is and we can’t find it — God whispers —
I know, I still see, I still hear the hope that is for you.
And I’m going to carry you through it.
I’m not going to let a hopeless situation destroy your hope.
Surely God hears our cries. It doesn’t matter how long a season of crying lasts, how hurt we are, God hears our cries and he will comfort us.
I’d like to invite us to pray for those who are suffering from the loss, who are feeling hopeless.
Together as we pray for them, it’ll also touch the places within us that feel hopeless and needs God’s comfort.
And I think that is the beautiful thing about prayer – that during a time of sadness and tragedy – we can pray. We can bring ourselves and those who are suffering among us with us in prayer – and we can all be with God and experience his comfort.
Share and leave a comment below. Let’s pray for each other and pray for the people suffering in prayers. God will hear us and reach out to comfort them wherever we are. I hope you have a good week and this encourages your heart.
Let’s pray for those who are suffering and hurting.
Share a prayer below and share what are your thoughts/feelings?
Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment. I’d love to hear what’s on your heart.
For more words of encouragement, order a copy of my book Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest.
51 Comments
Bonnie,
Your beautiful tenderhearted words ministered to my heart. The only way we can survive all that is going on the world is to keep our eyes looking to our God and Saviour. That is where we must place our trust.
I can’t imagine the depth of sorrow that is felt in Paris at this time but I pray the Holy Spirit will comfort in a way no one else can.
Chris
thank you God for Chris. her heart is so tender… God’s heart in her.
Thank you, Bonnie, for expressing this so beautifully. Encouraged, and praying with you!
thank you God for Kathy. as we pray together…
May the borders of Paris be hedged by the protection of the Heavens Army and they feel the Arms of our Lord reach down and hug each and everyone within this hurting country. May love be poured out to each other and revival be sparked to bring our Lord’s love to the hurting and grieving souls.
Blessings to all and may our God REIGN!!
thank you Lord for Miriam… i hear your love and hurting heart in her words…
Lord, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. May your light guide all of us as we pray, and reach out to others. Help us to show your love and encourage others who are in need of comfort. Thank you for Bonnie and her words of wisdom that brought peaceful thoughts to my mind this morning. Amen
yes, Lord… thank you for Elaine… thank you for your light, which we really long to see. just for today what’s really needed to guide us…
Bonnie,
Thank you for always uplifting us with your encouraging words and reminding us of this beautiful scripture (that I never noticed before!). Thank you for offering us this community as we pray for Paris and for each other! xo
Dear Valerie, thank you for always being here and offering us your voice… you in this community. praying through the many seasons together. you. me. us. God. thank you God for Valerie.
Abba,
Hear our cries for those wounded of heart and soul. See our anguish and feel our trembling hearts and hands as we lift them high to you the one who heals. Heal them Lord. Restore. Take under your wing those in need of your refuge Jehovah Sabaoth and give them rest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
yes, Lord. thank you God for Melinda… putting your heart on her heart through her words. together as we pray.
Bonnie,
This was very moving, thank-you for your beautifully spoken words. I join you in prayer for Paris.
Dear Penny, thank you for being here, in this quiet space – as we share with each other and pray. thank you God for Penny.
Lord, I thank you for your promise in Psalm 103: “[You] execute acts of righteousness and justice for all the oppressed” (v. 6,HCSB). May the grieving citizens of Paris, the innocent refugees of Syria, and persecuted Christians around the world experience your righteousness this day. May justice prevail in their lives. I thank you that your peace and comfort are always available and never failing. And I thank you that you WILL bring good out of this tragedy–another fulfillment of another great promise (Romans 8:28). All praise to you, our Sovereign God, Amen.
yes, Lord. thanks for sharing your heart through nancy’s with us.
As I sat watching the news and seeing the devastation before me, I was hit with a renewed understanding that we are all vulnerable. It doesn’t matter how wealthy, well-known, poor or obscure we are; we all live on the same planet, and we are all vulnerable. Like many people, my initial reaction was fear. It may have happened in Paris, but it could have happened anywhere. And in fact, it has. I found myself wondering how to fight the fearfulness which tends to be my default setting in many circumstances anyway. And then I remembered something. God inhabits the praises of His people. And the enemy doesn’t last very long when God’s people begin to praise Him. So I began to praise God…for Who He is, for His faithfulness, His nearness. And fear, just like the enemy who sustains it, began to flee. God is not unaware of our enemies, He is also aware that they are His enemies too. The arrogance, the hatred, the mercilessness toward others, the rejection of Christ…they don’t just thumb their noses at other countries, they thumb their noses at God Himself. And that is a dangerous thing to do. Scripture says God is not mocked…it also says He opposes the proud. And Scripture has shown that even if God uses other countries to discipline those who have turned their backs on Him, He often punishes those people who discipline in a way that is completely merciless. The terrorists are vulnerable too…to a powerful and righteous God. I continue to be in prayer for the people of France. My heart goes out to them.
thank you God for how Michelle listens with her heart in her prayers…
Heavenly Father, I pray for all the hurting Precious Souls, those in Paris and in cities across Your world. Lord, uphold them in their great time of need; their hearts are heavy with sorrow. We know that you hear their heart’s cry and that You will comfort them. Not even the needs of a sparrow escapes Your notice. For the Lord is Good and His Love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
Thankful for your words today, Bonnie.
thank you God for touching hearts like Veronica, as the prayers from her heart reach ours.
Thank you Bonnie for your words and prayers.
May we use this horrible act to unite us as a community of prayer.
beautiful expressed. thank you God for Laurie…
Thank you for sharing today. I got your Spiritual Whitespace book this summer and I don’t normal read or finish books but I finished it within a couple of days. It spoke to me in a time of much heartache and grief. My family is still grieving and everyday is a struggle, today is no different. I’ve never had anxiety before and it’s overtaken me. Anyway, thank you again for using your talents and I pray for others who are facing the same feelings I am.
i’m so glad to know that the words of Spiritual Whitespace spoke to your heart, Jessica. thank you for sharing in such a difficult time. know your story is beautifully known, treasured and valued — although it is painful, even in the midst of anxiety – you are not lost. you are straight in the Father’s arms, carrying you. i understand the feelings you are experiencing. And I’m so grateful I can be a voice to reassure and encourage you to care and nurture your soul during this season of grieving and struggle. You are loved. You are cherished. You are worth it. make room for you.for rest.
Thank you for this reminder that there is hope for the helpless, Bonnie. I love that plea in Psalm 10. My cry is “There is no one like You, Almighty God, Who can help the powerless against the mighty. Your love is faithful! Please rise, help, and redeem us!”
thank you God for the prayers you place on Trudy’s heart…
Bonnie,
Thank you or this encouraging video, sharing the hope of God’s Word. I needed it today as I have been in a short season of the blahs. Coupled with the Paris tragedy and each terrible news items of those struggling to survive against the evil of this world, it is enough to make one feel hopeless. I too have visited the beautiful city of Paris when my husband and I attended the wedding of our son to his wonderful French wife 20 years ago.
I am thankful for your reminder that God hears and answers our prayers. He is faithful to His people, faithful to His Word and will never leave or forsake us. His Word is living and active and gives us such hope in this dark world. We continue to come to His Throne and intercede for those who are in need of His comfort. We will also continue to fix our eyes on Jesus, not the challenges, trials and griefs of this world. Praise God, He has overcome the world!
Bless you Bonnie, as you continue to encourage and bless others!
thank you for your kindness, susan! i definitely appreciate knowing the video encouraged your heart and spoke to you. what beautiful memories of your son’s wedding and sharing from your own story and how you’re feeling this week.
Thank you, dear Bonnie, for sharing your heart, and for the beautiful words from Psalm 10:17. So good to keep God’s promises of hope on our minds as we pray for the people of Paris, people around the world, and our own family & friends. This post and the video were so sweetly done – thank you.
it’s a comfort and encouragement to know we are all connected in heart together, in prayer — and as you say, keeping hold of God’s promises together. thank you, cherry… thank you God for Cherry — for her heart work with you, with Cru and her sweet preseence touching family and friends as she prays, listens and encourages.
Thank you Bonnie for your continuing encouragement during these times of sadness. I just very recently lost my husband of 35 years; I am heartbroken but not downcast as I know he is in the presence of his Savior and Lord. Your words, today, spoke to my heart and I am encouraged to continue to look up to the hills, from where my strength comes. Please continue to present these precious videos for those of us who are hungry to hear the wisdom that God imparts to and through you.
thank you Irene for sharing how this touched and spoke to you. it encourages my heart very much. Dear Jesus, thank you for Irene, as she expresses how we all feel. be with her as she rests and prepares for a new week.
Beautifully said. It’s so hard to feel such compassion for others and feel so helpless, but God is bigger than the limitations of logistics. He can act, and we can be a part of the healing with our prayers. I love prayer, but when I stop to consider it, there’s so much mystery to it. How He uses our prayers to act, even when He is able to act without them. Love how He wants us to interact, and be a part of His work. Love how prayer is a reminder of Who is able. Thanks for sharing, Bonnie ((hug)).
dear God you know how hard it is, as you’ve expressed through Brenda’s prayer – and how you’re touching her heart with us as we pray together. thank you for Brenda and her encouragement and sharing.
Going through a very rough and tearful time. I need all the prayers I can get. Thanks. Love to you, Bonnie.
Christine, I happened to read your comment. I am sorry for your troubles. I pray that God will make himself feel so real to you that you’ll have no doubt He is right there with you. I pray that every. single. need. in your life will be taken care of according to His will. God bless you.
dear Jesus, my heart is heavy knowing Christine is going through a very rough and heart wrenching time. please be very near and present with her, as she’s prayed for me, I pray for her right now. Help her in her time of need. This you promised to us. In Jesus name, Amen. Love you, friend…
Your video message was extra meaningful for me today. Thank you. My heart is full with a lot of feelings about what happened in Paris and about what has been threatened in DC. We lived close to Washington for two years until this past August while my son-in-law served at The Pentagon. We were always aware that DC would be a prime target and yet the city and surrounding counties live and play without constant fear. Feeling the presence of God in our lives allows us to live above those circumstances as best we can.
It is harder after a shock like Paris.
Heavenly Father, our hearts hurt for so many terrible problems in our world today; they leave us feeling vulnerable and helpless to act. For the war torn countries being ripped to shreds by people who worship a fake and violent god. We pray for those who are trying to escape and have no place to call home, but we worry that this evil is sneaking through with the innocents. We watch as a landmark city of freedom is terrorized by a small group of these people who hate for the sake of a false god. We know You are aware. We know that You have watched your children do this to one another over and over through history. We beg of you to show your mighty power in such a way that people will be drawn closer to You through all of this time of upheaval; that the true faithful will stand firmly in their faith and stand up for what is right and good. We pray that our world leaders and leaders here at home will receive discernment and courage to follow your guidance. We pray for those who are crushed by the losses of loved ones because of the attacks in Paris and thank you for the sweet, sweet love and caring that is coming to comfort them. Thank you, Father, for the huge power of praying in agreement and community we can find here on this blog site. Keep us close to you in spirit and in love and in strength. I ask you in the name of your Son, Jesus, and for Your Glory. Amen.
thank you God for Gretchen and for her son-in-law who served at the Pentagon — for reflecting your heart through her and her family– as she expresses her heart through prayers…
Dear Gretchen and Bonnie,
Thank you so much for your prayers! God bless both of you richly and anyone else who has prayed for me. You’re the best! Thanks so much. I am getting better but not 100% yet.
Thanks Bonnie! I think our thoughts have been much on the people of Paris and what they have suffered and it is a good reminder that we also need to be praying for them and praying for leaders to make wise decisions as they seek to bring comfort and justice. This was so well said and I enjoyed the personal touch of the video.
God bless you!
Pam
so encouraging to know the video was mocha for your soul… as we pray together… thank you God for Pam…
Jesus, be near. Help us put on your armor, piece by piece, and not give way to fear. May we be strong and courageous, lovers of our neighbor’s across the street and across the ocean. Seeing your image in those who are hurting and those inflicting hurt. We are all in need of you. And for those experiencing displacement, disillusionment, loss of people they love, a sense of instability, would you comfort. Heal. Examine hearts and show yourself to them. Bring shining spots of hope as they pick up pieces and take another step forward.
thank you God for the heart in Emily who sees you in those you love “across the street and across the ocean”…
Bonnie, thank you for sharing with us. The Lord used this verse (and your words) to speak directly to my heart this morning. Feeling the need for a good cry, but not knowing why, the Lord uncovered some delicate insecurities I feel when my weakness is exposed (when I feel helpless). His gentle hands reached out and said, “I am here and I do hear you. You are not alone.”
Bless you, dear sister. Some eternal day we will meet face to face and I’ll be able to articulate just how much your words/story have impacted me.
beautiful. a good cry is good for the soul… for now you feel the gentle hand of God in yours, kristen… and the kinship of sisterhood in the other here with us. xo
Thank you for doing this, Bonnie. Continuing along with you all in prayer in Jesus’ Name, the Name above every other name.
thank you, God for lisa — as we pray together with you…
thank you for your encouraging words. I need them and so does my daughter who has turned away from the Lord. So does her daughter who is 11 yrs. old and is withdrawing and doesn’t even want to go to school and many mornings says she is sick and cannot go to school. She is sick at heart. She used to go to Sunday school. with my husband and I. It became too much for her and her family to get up on Sunday mornings . so hasn’t gone since she was 7.
We pray fervently for her and her famliy as her cancer has come back after a 6 yr. retreat. She has been given 30-months to live, by her doctors. I get very discouraged and I am reluctant to visit them often not knowing what to say and feel as if I cannot be myself in their home and share our pain together. My daughter is angry with everyone in our family and probably at God too.
Please pray and direct me to someone who can help. Thank you…
dear God, please guide Pam to someone who can help. I pray you lift the burdens off her shoulder, so you can carry her, her daughter and her granddaughter. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
thank you Bonnie I will reply to you WHEN I become aware of an answer. God Bless your ministry I am looking forward to the California Women’s retreat and meeting you.