"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
There are no words that can ever express the sorrow that so many are experiencing after the devastating floods in Texas this week. The loss of life, especially young lives, strikes the core of the human heart. At this writing the news media is saying over one hundred loved ones are confirmed to be no longer with us and dozens are still missing. While we pray for the miracle of finding more alive, and the Lord is absolutely able to work that miracle, our own common sense tells us that it is unlikely at this point.
So how do we come to terms with this tragedy and how can we support those whose lives have been forever altered?
This traumatic event will impact the survivors for the rest of their lives. Aside from the physical needs of food, shelter and clothing, they will need loving arms to hold them and strong shoulders to cry on. They will need to tell their stories to those willing to listen. There is no way to answer the "whys" that will be asked but we can each be present and understanding.
The very first thing I learned when I became a chaplain is that words are not always needed, or even wanted. The calming presence of someone who truly cares means so much more. Continually lifting them up in prayer and asking for God's comfort and compassion is something we can all do. This is a road that He, and He alone, is able to guide them down. Love them. Help where you can with what you can then trust that our Father is ministering in holy ways that we know not of.
In the days, months and years ahead there will be much work to be done to rebuild the physical structures that have been damaged or destroyed. Human hearts, though forever affected, will heal over time. This is pain that never goes away. One just learns how to live with it and continue on until life on this earth is over.
I have shared three verses from the Scriptures today in hopes that at least one gives hope to each reader. As my own tears fall over this event, I am reminded that no tear goes unnoticed, no heart-cry is ignored and at no time is our Creator unaware of anyone's pain. May we all cling to Him and plead for these families before His mighty throne.
