This isn’t the post I had planned to write today, but with the tragedies across the country as well as a couple more even closer to home recently, it feels more important to share. Sometimes the most needed treasures are simple reminders of God’s truth from His Word. So here are a few Scripture passages, a couple of songs, and a prayer that I hope can be encouraging to you as well:
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
~ Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
These words have been a balm to my soul in so many situations over the years, and they’re the first ones that come to my mind in prayer for those who are hurting today, too. In the midst of our brokenness, how comforting it is to know God is so near, and we are never alone.
As I watched the sun coming up this morning, I also appreciated being reminded of these words:
“Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.’”
~ Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV)
Oh how grateful I am for new mercies every morning. And I love the apostle Paul’s exhortation for us about the tenacious, unfailing love of God:
“For I am persuaded that not even death or life,
angels or rulers,
things present or things to come,
hostile powers,
height or depth, or any other created thing
will have the power to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”
~ Romans 8:38-39 (HCSB)
While we do have an enemy who “prowls around like a roaring lion,” and we will face sufferings on this earth, Peter offers this encouragement:
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
~ 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
So in the midst of any storm, we can hold on to hope and truth.
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”
~ Hebrews 6:19a (NLT)
Father,
In this broken world, our hearts so easily grow weary with sorrow. We don’t have the answers or solutions to fix anything, as much as we would like to. Would You turn our eyes and hearts to You afresh? Help us to know You are present, loving, and sovereign beyond what we can begin to comprehend. When the waves of grief turn violent, let Your hope be our anchor, firm and secure.
And Father, as we weep with those who weep, we are grateful that You weep with us, too. Thank You for drawing near to the brokenhearted and holding us close. Help us to shine Your light and share Your love with others in a world that often feels dark and cold. Keep reminding us that You have overcome the world, and we are more than conquerors in You. We are grateful for Your new mercies every morning and Your unfailing love always.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
I pray these songs can be encouraging as well:
Weep with Me by Rend Collective
Highlands (Song of Ascent) by Hillsong UNITED
I’d always love for you to join in the conversation, too. What helps bring you hope when faced with tragedy or difficult times? Or do you have any special prayer requests on your heart? I’d be honored to pray for you. Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
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