Previously Published on 10/15/2012

Tragedy so often comes, like a thief in the night, to steal our joy and our peace. It comes in ways we rarely predict. This year, for me, it came in the form of a Facebook post that told me my brother’s best friend, a 27-year old young man, was fighting for his life after a motorcycle accident. And, it struck even harder in the phone call that told me he had lost the battle. It reared its ugly head again when a 69-year- old co-worker was in a car accident on the way to work and I was told he didn’t survive. And, even as I write this, one of my oldest and dearest friends is holding tightly to her 11-day old nephew and singing him to sleep for what could be the last time. I am hoping and praying with all that is in me that her family is spared the loss of one so precious. But, my heart is breaking as I try to imagine the pain and fear they are facing.

Pain does not discriminate. It touches us all. Whether brand new to the world or with a long line of children and grandchildren as a legacy, we are all susceptible to the brokenness of this world. At times it is a terrifying and overwhelming thought. It is so easy in these moments to question how there can be a God and how He can be good. It’s so difficult for us to comprehend how someone who loves us can let these things happen.

As I was searching for solace this morning, the Lord brought these verses to mind:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:1-4

I remember something my Dad told me once; he said, “Nothing happens to me when God isn’t looking”. There’s nothing that happens to me, or to anyone, except under the watchful eye of the Lord. He doesn’t slumber. He doesn’t sleep. He guides us through the pain as we wait for His promise. It is in times like these that I must remember I am only passing through here; this place is not my home.

And so I lift my eyes up and look for help for my heart. I rest in the knowledge that Tragedy can never have victory over me, for I am on my way Home. In that knowledge there is joy and peace, and the Thief is thwarted.

What tragedies are you facing? What is reaching out to steal your peace and your joy? Lift your eyes up and find help.