Heavenly Father, we pray for comfort and peace for those directly affected by the tragic events this week. For those who lost loved ones, we pray that You would become their refuge and source of strength. For the children who lost a parent, we pray their hearts would remain tender and receptive to Your Word. We pray for those searching for answers. Please reveal Your truth and help us all to understand that apart from You there is nothing! In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
This prayer was originally distributed several years ago after a major tragedy in which many people died. Unfortunately, it could also be a prayer for every day of the year because of the thousands who die in accidents, or as a result of senseless violence or disease, or because of starvation or addiction to drugs, or due to the tragedy of terrorism and war. So many lives seem needlessly shortened. But even life which reaches its full potential is incredibly short: "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" James 4:14. As I continue to age, and as I continue to witness the final journey of others, this truth becomes more and more real. Our time is short!
When world tragedy occurs, we ought to sincerely pray for those affected; it's not often the whole world can pray for a specific group of people. And when individual tragedy occurs, we are certainly called to sincerely pray and seek ways to comfort those in need. But, in the midst of these tragedies, we should also take a moment to consider the frailty and brevity of life, and how our own priorities reflect this truth. We must strive for a firmer understanding that anything outside the will of God will one day fade away. Any other "god" who receives our worship in the form of excess time, thought, energy, or resources will most surely burn and be swept aside; it will not last!
"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on...those who use the things of the world, {use them} as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29,31 No matter how many times I read these truths of God's Word, I know I don't yet fully understand. I know our time is short, but I continually gain my identity and become engrossed in the trivial things of this world. Father forgive me!
If there is any good to come out of tragedy, it will only be as we resolve to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen" 2 Corinthians 4:18. We must allow events such as these to firmly establish that "what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" 2 Corinthians 4:18.
It's time we turn our heart to God in true revival and do ALL as unto the Lord. We can no longer give our lives to what is temporary and passing away. It's time we unashamedly worship Him and follow where He leads. It's time we draw close to His presence and remember the eternal.
- steve troxel
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