But I can't talk about any of that because I read the headlines. I read about the deaths in Houston from Hurricane Harvey and that half the homes there have been hit by the hurricane waters and they are bracing for Harvey's return. And this is only one corner of our world. There are deaths and killings and pain and suffering on every continent (except maybe Antartica).
How do we balance happiness and tragedy? Babies being born and people being killed? Overdue notices and Christmas bonuses?
When you have someone close to you die and the world continues despite the death, you might get a bit mad about it. You might feel like screaming, "Don't you see who I've lost?" But then in the next breath you might be thankful the world didn't stop because it keeps you going.
How do we respond to tragedy others are dealing with and we aren't? First and foremost, pray. Second, trust God. And third, if there is something you can do to help, do. Maybe you can donate money or time to help with recovery. Maybe you decide to donate time praying for extended periods of time. God is creative. If there is someone who has a burden for a tragedy, you can guarantee God will give that person a job that goes with that burden.
God does this all the time -- this balancing act. On one side of the globe He rejoices with his children. On the other side He cries with them. Even in the same neighborhood His children will be dealing with different things and He is with every single one of them.
We can be assured He is with those in Houston and everyone else affected by Harvey. And He will send help. He will comfort. He will give people peace and strength and provide whatever else they need in the most unexpected ways.
What we can't do is get overwhelmed with the tragedies and paralyze ourselves. For if we look at it all we are too small to do anything. But if we remember things are changed one person at a time by those people doing what they can, we will see miracles happen.
Pray for Houston. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for those you watch on TV. God uses prayers and He will use your prayers in ways He won't use mine. We all count. Jesus loves us all and if you don't know Him ask Him into your life and He will accept that invitation and His Spirit will empower you to accomplish the Father's Will. And His Will will definitely be sending help to Houston (and already has in many ways).