Psalm 119:50  This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.

My heart goes out to those who have suffered such great loss and tragedy as a result of the recent storms in tornado alley.  I cannot imagine how terrible those who suffered loss in Granbury, Texas and Moore, Oklahoma must feel at this time.  Indeed they need all the love, support and demonstrations of charity that the people of our great nation can provide at this time.  At times like this faith will be tested.  Some will ask, “Where was God in all of this?”  Some will ask, “If God allowed this, how these people will ever be able to trust in Him again?”  There are indeed difficult questions that come during difficult times in our lives.  Some of those questions do not have easy answers and some do not have answers at all.  We live in a sin fallen world and from time to time, God in His sovereignty allows tragedy to enter all of our lives.  We don’t always know the reason why.  There are just some things that we cannot comprehend and that we will not understand this side of glory.  During those difficult times we must cling to what we do know.

I know that when we experience tragic circumstances we can find comfort in God’s word.  His presence can be found in His word and His presence can revive us and give us strength.  His presence can give us hope.  His presence can give us comfort.  I also know that oftentimes when tragedy strikes people are too shell shocked to pick up a Bible and turn to God’s word.  They struggle just to deal with day to day affairs and they must fight to simply put one foot in front of the other and cope from one hour to the next.  It is in those times that Christians must allow God’s word to work through them so that they can reach out and help revive those who are dealing with difficult times in life.  We are to “bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).”

At this time while people are reeling from these horrific tragedies, reach out to them.  Lift them up in prayer.  Consider donating to a reputable relief organization.  Ask God how you can let His word work through you so that you can bring comfort to someone who is hurting.