In Tragic Times, Christ Will Heal You

We’ve all seen the devastation Hurricane Harvey has wreaked. Whether or not we’ve been personally affected, the hurricane has left us thinking about what we can do in the wake of terrible tragedy. In truth, the best thing we can do in these tragic situations is to help others while worshiping Christ.

Here are 3 methods to cope with tragedy when it strikes:

1. Trust that Jesus is the resurrection. In the gospel of John, Jesus taught an incredibly important lesson through one of his last miraculous acts. In the Scripture, he allowed Lazarus to die so that he could bring him back from the dead four days later. The purpose waiting was so that God’s glory could be showcased through Lazarus’ revival. It showed that Jesus is the resurrection and that his light can be seen in the darkest of circumstances. Therefore, during those difficult times, the times when it feels as though everything has been taken from you, recall that Jesus, the resurrection, will restore everything to you. So today, hold Jesus’ power of resurrection in your heart and remember these words: “And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.” 1 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)
2. Make time for real worship. In stressful times, it can be difficult to remember to worship in the way God intended. For example, after Lazarus was raised from the dead, his sisters threw a gigantic celebration to thank Jesus. During the party, one of the sisters spent all of her time running around, trying to make everything perfect for Jesus. Because of all the stress she was under, this first sister neglected to sit by Jesus and hear his stories. However, the other sister spent the entire time sitting at Jesus’ feet and clinging onto his every word. Although the first sister meant well, Jesus pointed out that while she was chasing perfection, her sister had already found it and, in doing so, had worshiped him in the truest way possible. In other words, in times of stress it might be hard to focus wholly on worshiping Jesus in the unfailing way he intended, but it is more important than anything else you could possibly do. Therefore, hold these words in your heart: “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.” Psalm 145:3 (ESV)
3. Show others endless mercy and compassion. Sometimes, it can be all too easy to ignore those in need. Take the story of the Good Samaritan. When a Jewish man was robbed, beaten, and left on the side of the road, several people passed him without helping before a Samaritan walked up to him, bandaged his wounds, and took him to an inn where he could further heal. In other words, the injured man was left for dead by numerous people before the Good Samaritan finally came to the rescue. So, in times of tragedy—and in your everyday life—make sure you treat others just as you would your neighbor since we are all brothers and sisters in God’s love. The next time you are debating whether or not to show compassion and mercy to another, keep these words in your heart:“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

Today, turn your blues to blessings by remembering that Jesus will lead you through tragic times.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.” John 10:11 (ESV)

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