Tragedy

When someone is hurting, our God given desire is to find a way to help them, to bring encouragement, to lighten the load.

But how do you do that? What should you say? Especially in times of great tragedy, when the burden is seemingly overwhelming... what should you do?

James tells us to, "visit the widows and orphans in their affliction" (James 1:27). So, I think that visiting is very proper and clearly shows care and concern.

But then, what do you say when you visit?

We do get a cue from Scripture - we are told to, "weep with those who weep". Often, it seems that the very best thing to do is say very little and just show up to hug and cry and express your love and support.

I don't say this as one who has had that experience. I have suffered very little. Others have suffered greatly. Joni Eareckson Tada is one of those who has suffered greatly. Her words are helpful:

"When your heart is being wrung out like a sponge, an orderly list of 'sixteen good biblical reasons as to why this is happening' can sting like salt in a wound. You don't stop the bleeding that way. A checklist may be OK when you're looking at suffering in a rear view mirror, but not when you're looking at suffering in the present tense.

When people are sorely suffering, people are like hurting children looking up into the faces of their parents, crying and asking, "Daddy why?" Those children don't want explanations, answers or reasons why, they want their daddy to pick them up, pat them on the backs, and reassure them that everything is going to be okay. God, like a father, doesn't just give advice. He gives himself;
• He becomes the husband to the grieving widow (Isa 54:5)
• He becomes the comforter to the barren woman (Isa 54:1)
• He becomes the father of the orphaned (Psalm 10:14)
• He becomes the bridegroom to the single person (Isa 62:5)
• He is the healer to the sick (Ex 15:26)
• He is the wonderful counselor to the confused and depressed (Isa 9:6)

This is what you do when someone you love is in anguish; you respond to the plea of their heart by giving your heart."

The beginning of the week

It’s Monday morning, and it’s early (6:00).
The beginning of a day; the beginning of a week.

My responsibilities for the week are great:
- to be faithful to God with all I am, in all I will face; in every situation and in every opportunity; to love Him, delight in Him, take up my cross daily and follow Him
- to love my wife as Christ loved the church – to care for her, nurture her, and do all I can to help her make this week count for eternity
- to shepherd my children; to strategically and prayerfully nurture their faith; to help them overcome sinful tendencies and grow in their love for God and others
- to lead a church; to watch over the souls of every person in the church; to faithfully and joyfully serve the people
- to live out the great commandment and the great commission
- all this and more, along with a thousand other things that will swirl about with each step I take this week

I have all these responsibilities that meet me in my frailties, weaknesses, inadequacies, and sinful tendencies.
From a human standpoint, it looks like it will be a messy week. At the end of this week, there will be success and failure; gratefulness and regret.

It is my week. They are my responsibilities.
Yet, I am not alone in this.
“I will never leave you… I will never forsake you… I am at work in you, to will and do of my good pleasure… I will bless you and keep you and cause my face to shine on you and be merciful and gracious to you…”

Why would I even think to run into this week on my own – neglecting or bypassing what I really need?
Unfortunately, I often do. Fortunately, He is always there keeping my heart soft, guiding me back to him, helping me see the joy of resting in Him.

May God keep my awake to this reality through the week.
Off I go, to spend some quiet time with him before the family rouses. It is here where I will meet Him and will experience His care on my soul.

He is good.