This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Stormproof – Tornadoes of Tragedy (CLICK HERE)
Tragedy rocks our world…will it rock your heart?
There is no doubt that tragedy rocks one’s world. This past summer a pastor’s family who is part of our Lutheran denomination lost six family members at a family reunion due to a house fire. As different individuals who survived recount their story, it is horrific to hear screams you can’t get to and be outside the house as you know your children are perishing inside and there is nothing you can do about it.
It’s hard to know how you will react until tragedy strikes in your own life (in no way would I wish tragedy on anyone!). It’s hard to know how the tragedy will affect your life not just immediately after, but years after.
Tragedies can shatter our lives.
Loss is hard. Loss of lives you love is super difficult.
Your world comes crashing in and the question is how will one move forward?
Will you come away from it with hope?
Will you come away from it with hopelessness?
This family that suffered tremendous loss has been an amazing testimony on TV News broadcasts of both the heartache and challenge of the tragedy, but the peace and hope they find in Jesus and the promise of his love and future resurrection to eternal life.
Amidst their tragedy, they find secure hope in Jesus.
Psalm 112 is a reflection of characteristics of a righteous person. The Psalmist writes,
Psalm 112:6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. 7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
It seems that the psalmist has predecided how they will deal with tragedy. Here are the decisions:
“I’m not going to live in fear of bad news.”
“I will trust in the Lord…always.”
“I will not fear…even when bad things happen.”
“Ultimately, I God will provide the victory.”
These heart decisions are made by the individual before a hardship strikes so that when the hardship comes, the decision is already made.
In the moment of tragedy, I am going to find my hope in Jesus.
Tragedy does rock our world…but when it does, stand firmly on and rely on the Rock…your Savior.
Apply: How has a tragedy rocked your world? How has your relationship to Jesus helped you find hope in that tragedy and not hopelessness?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my solid hope even in the midst of great loss. AMEN.