Help, Lord.
Hearing about the deaths of hostages in Sydney was shocking. Especially as today, we start to get a picture of those who were killed or affected – what they look like, their families, their jobs, their character. I can’t even begin to put myself into the shoes of their loved ones; and nor do I want to.
Now, I’m reading open-mouthed the news about Taliban attacks on a school in Pakistan. At least 126 dead; most aged under 16.
And what I’d like to do is offer a solution. Make it better. Make it make sense. Do something, instead of just sitting. Petition the government. Offer financial aid. Write a letter: I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m praying for you. I’m sorry.
There’s so much I don’t know.
But here’s what I do know and I’m clinging to it.
I know that Jesus was born in the context of the massacre of a village full of children.
I know that He is loving. And I know that He is strong.
I know that He hates evil: and He died to bring justice to the oppressors and hope to the oppressed.
I know that the governments of the world are as nothing in His hands.
I know that I’m saddened and weary by this world.
I know that I’m angry and frustrated by the sin of others;
I know I see the same sin in my own heart.
“O God the author of all good, I come to Thee for the grace another day will require for its duties and events. I step out into a wicked world; I carry about with me an evil heart. I know that without Thee I can do nothing, that everything with which I shall be concerned, however harmless in itself, may prove an occasion of sin or folly, unless I am kept by Thy power. Hold Thou me up and I shall be safe.” (A Puritan Prayer)
‘The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’
Psalm 34:18
Thank you Emma, perfect prayer and Psalm to put words to deep feelings of sadness about yet more tragedy in Pakistan, I went there as a teenager and was overwhelmed by Christian’s generosity and pray they may see their country be freed from the temporary grip of the Taliban.
Thanks for this Emma – I work for the UK government on issues (such as Syria) that seem to be intractable and a cause of despair, and it can be hard to keep hoping. So your reminder of what Jesus is all about is helpful. It’s also good to pray for encouragement for our leaders and people working to bring stability as well as for Christ to reign in these dark situations.
Amen.
Thanks for this…Frankly, I don’t know how to handle the ceaseless pain in this world. Like I want to scream and rage and claw at the sky and demand to know if God actually sees this horror.
I can’t imagine what their families feel.
But the reminder that Jesus was born amidst a massacre, too, gives me a faint sliver of hope. Thank you. <3