Thoughts Concerning Recent Tragedies.

I’m going to step away from our current short series which I began last week. But I will come back to it soon. In the light of recent terrible events, I thought I would offer some of my thoughts. The big question which is brought up so often is, “Why do bad things happen to good people, or innocent people, or righteous people?” However you want to word it, the basic question stays the same. It is a legitimate question and one which I have asked myself. Even though I have accepted and even shared the usual Bible based responses, I still catch myself asking why. This in turn sends me back to the Scriptures for reassurance, strengthening of faith, and hope. When sitting with the bereaved during a time of great loss, I try NOT to go into some deep theological study on suffering and human tragedy. I also don’t think it is appropriate to start finding blame. There is a time and place for that discussion when the grieving heart is better equipped. Instead, I believe it is best to simply be there for them, to listen, to pray, to be a shoulder, a support, a friend. When the great prophet Elijah was in deep distress, (1Kings 19) he desired to hear from the LORD and the LORD spoke to him. But the voice was not heard in a loud and dramatic way. Instead, the LORD spoke in a ‘Still, small voice.’ I don’t know what GOD whispered to him, but it got Elijah’s attention. A bit later, he was able to hear what else the LORD had to say. Most times, I believe, those who are struggling with tragedy, don’t have need of my theology, my blame, my noisy, dramatic efforts to provide great words of instruction. Most times, they just need to know I care and feel my compassionate touch. Perhaps the best thing they might need to hear at that time, while I hold their hand and share their tears, is a gentle, quiet, still, small voice reminder, “GOD is with you. He really does love you. Hold on to HIS love.” Perhaps someday, we will know why.

Russell Ashby