Tragedy arouses feelings of desperation and
bewilderment, as the anchors that have kept us safe appear to be swept away. William
Burroughs in his book, The Western Lands,
noted that “abrupt change can dislodge the belief our world is safe while questioning
the legitimacy of our entire belief system.”
When Jacob had to face the
death of Joseph, his favorite son, his grief was so intense he felt he would
die. He was totally unprepared for this tragedy. When tragedy personally strikes
us, enormous energy is absorbed to help us cope because our survival appears to
be in jeopardy.
Tragedy
often demands changes we’re not ready to make. The writer of Psalm 119 reveals
his feelings of desperation and the need for comfort. "I am completely
discouraged and lie in dust. Revive and encourage me with your word, O Lord,
for my heart is heavy with sorrow. I will cling to your commands and follow
them closely." God's word will give you comfort and hope when you face
tragedy.
______________________
Let us praise the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and the God of
every comfort. He comforts us in all our suffering to make us able to comfort
others in all their suffering with the same comfort with which God comforts us.
~2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 Beck
– New Testament in the Language of Today
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