When Tragedy Strikes

This temporary earth that we currently inhabit is filled with brokenness, pain, and death. We see this every day on the news, particularly on a day like today where the atrocity committed in Connecticut is all over the news and social media. No doubt this is pure evil at work. Innocent children loved by God have had their lives taken from them for no reason. The lives of millions will be affected by this heinous crime. Most people, myself included, are furious and heartbroken over this horrible event. Be in constant prayer for the families of these children and people and the town of Newtown. Your prayers will make be heard. 

How ought we respond to this? Obviously with prayer. Always with prayer. And with mourning. Mourn the evil and the loss of human life and the pain that has come and will come from one person's decision. Whether or not you are a believer and follower of Christ, you are forced to respond to this in some way. As a Christ follower I struggle with how to respond in situations like these other than with heartbrokenness and mourning. What I do know is that no matter what the pain, no matter what the heartbreak, no matter what the loss, and no matter what the tragedy, there is always hope in Christ. He conquered death. He is sovereign and He is good. The awful acts of man do not change the fact that God is good and God is sovereign. 

There is no hope apart from Christ. If you are struggling with how to cope with tragedy, like this school shooting, I guarantee you that God is waiting for you with open arms. The pain of this earth will be washed away in the end. Revelation 21:4 says that when Christ returns in his glory "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Jesus will end all of this when he returns. 

But until then, we are left here in this wretched earth with death, mourning, crying, pain, anger, resentment, and righteous fury. Cry out to Jesus. Tell him your pain. Tell him your anger and your fury. Let him into your life and  when you're done screaming and flailing and crying he will come and wrap his arms around you. Run to Jesus in mourning. Run to Jesus in pain and anger. Run to Jesus when tragedy strikes.