Glory in the midst of Tragedy

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem...How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!" (Luke 13:34)

May our hearts feel what our eyes have seen. 

Lord, the images on my television screen are surreal. My mind struggles to grasp the inconceivable magnitude from such a great distance, but my heart breaks realizing the insufferable grief of so many affected by so great a tragedy. For some—livelihoods are gone; for others—their very lives. 

Your word tells us Father to “Call to You and You will answer” (Jer. 33:3) You are the God who hears. You are not a God made of wood or stone who is deaf, and blind and cannot speak. (Ps. 115:4-5, 6-7. 8)

Jonah cried out from depths of Sheol in the belly of a great fish and You heard his voice (Jonah 2:2). David cried out many times to You and You answered. (Ps. 54:2, Ps. 120:1, Ps. 119:145) We pray now that many cry out to You, God. Thank you that You will permit Yourself to be found by those who did not look for You. (Isaiah 65:1)

Some will fret from an economical perspective knowing of the impact it will have on Wall Street or at the gas pumps. Though a likely concern, was this the reason for which You wept as You looked upon the city of Jerusalem? (Luke 19:41) I think not. Lord, break our hearts for the things that break Yours.

Like Jeremiah, may our hearts break for great sin, as well as the sorrows of mankind. May we weep for more than material loss, but more so, the eternal loss of souls without a Savior.

Father, help Your church to recognize the spiritual significance and importance of our current events, and to respond appropriately on a spiritual, emotional, and physical level. (Luke 10:33-34) The season is ripe Lord for many to cry out for the One they have neglected or mocked for years. Help us, Your disciples, to faithfully and graciously lead them to the only Way, the only Truth, and the only true Life. (John 14:6)

Spirit of God, stir the hearts of Your people to pick up the towel of humility for our neighbor in times of crisis. (John 13:5) Help us to stay Kingdom focused, God, to love our neighbor as ourselves, in a spirit of humility and service.

And through it all, Lord, show us Your glory! Show us Your glory!

In Jesus’ name, amen.