Loss, Pain and Tears

This last week we were stunned by a horrible tragedy. Tears flowed. In such a situation even some treasured Scriptures seem not to bring much comfort and may even raise questions. How, we wonder can God possibly work for good in this? How can we even think about being joyful in this circumstance? Where in this moment can we find the peace that passes all understanding?

Where do we turn when we feel like we have been hit in the stomach? What do we do when something that has happened makes no sense to us and seems to be so unfair?  We may search for a truth, a thought that will make it all better. But at such times quick answers really offer no comfort.  That is probably why the Scripture tells us in one place that there is a time to weep and a time to mourn, and in another place that we need to mourn with those who mourn. The same Bible that calls us to affirm hope and trust in God, is still emotionally realistic. The Word of God teaches us that grief is real and must be expressed and shared.

Perhaps, by the grace of God, in time, our pain will be eased. Perhaps, our wounds will be healed. But for now, we find comfort in the fact that when he was with those who grieved, Jesus, also, wept.

“This is what the Lord says: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more.’" Jeremiah 31:15  

^“Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Matthew 19:13-15