This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Stormproof – Tornadoes of Tragedy (CLICK HERE)
Perhaps the greatest intended benefit of tragedies in life is it exposes our weakness and leads us to rely on the Lord’s strength.
At least that’s the greatest blessing that it can bring.
The pages of Scripture are not devoid of tragedies. Tragedies are a reality in a world broken by sin. However, in the midst of tragedy, we see God’s people turning to the Lord. Let’s wrap up the week with a few of these examples that might encourage you when tragedy strikes personally or you can share with people you know experiencing tragedy.
Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Like a child running to a parent for protection, so we as God’s children can run to the Lord for protection and strength in times of trouble. With the image of an imposing castle fortress, the psalmist reminds us that the arms of our Savior are the safest place to be when trouble and tragedy strike.
Tragedy has lingering after effects. Property can perhaps be rebuilt faster than our hearts. When we experience trauma and loss of loved ones, the hurt lingers. Emotions move from shock to sadness to dejection or depression. Joy is faint and sorrow is great. We may see more darkness in our days than light. We wouldn’t be alone. Again the psalmist writes in Psalm 40:1-3:
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”
In the aftermath of tragedy it may seem like your prayers go unheard and your heart unhealed. It may seem like God has forsaken you and doesn’t care for you. But that is not the case. He is in the pit with you.
To digress a moment…I have run in a few Tough Mudder races. It doesn’t get it’s name without reason. There are obstacles that you are in a muddy pit. To be sure, the only way you get through that obstacle is to have someone outside the muddy pit pull you out. Without help, you keep sliding back down into the pit. I don’t think the psalmist ran a Tough Mudder, but the heavy emotions of loss feel like a pit we can’t get out of …until the Lord pulls us out and sets us on solid ground. From outside the pit, we see a new perspective on life and the future ahead. The Lord puts a new spirit in our heart and a new song on our lips and joy returns and the darkness is overcome by the light of God’s presence, promises, and power.
For the Christian, the greatest perspective that guides us through tragedy is the promise of heaven. What we might perceive as the greatest possible tragedy, death, is really the entry point to experience the paradise of heaven promised to us through Jesus. So, when you really think about it, the ultimate answer to tragedy is the eternal joys of heaven won for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Revelation 7:13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’[b]
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’[c]”
Tragedy does rock our world and challenge our faith, but my prayer is that when tragedy strikes, it leads us closer to our Savior and keeps us longing with hope for life in heaven.
Apply: What promises of God have helped you navigate tragedy and loss in your life?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for securing heaven for me through the tragedy of the crucifixion of your Son. Keep me close to you always, but especially in time of tragedy and loss. AMEN.