Finding refuge in a broken world

Key Scripture: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1–2).

Devotion

We are constantly bombarded by news of tragedy and loss. In just one week we have seen a horrific assassination, a brutal stabbing on public transit, school shootings, even a beheading in a hotel. That is not to mention how we suffer through personal sorrow and pain. As we grieve the pain of the present, we also have the memories of losses we have endured, and especially tragic losses from 24 years ago with pictures that are etched in our memories. All of this can make us see the true fragility of this world. It can feel like the ground beneath us is giving way. In these moments, it is natural to feel shaken, afraid, and overwhelmed. “Our hearts then cry out How long O Lord” Psalm 13:1. How can we, as people of faith, cope with the relentless weight of a broken world? The Bible offers us a profound promise: God is our refuge.

This promise does not mean that we will be shielded from all pain. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that all human life is temporary, like withering grass and fading flowers, (Isaiah 40:6-8). Jesus himself told his disciples, "In this world you will have trouble". As believers, we are not immune to hardship. We weep with those who weep because we are designed for community and shared burdens (Romans 12:15). We live in a world corrupted by sin and its consequences, and tragedy is a brutal symptom of that brokenness.

But we do not grieve without hope. Our confidence is not in our own strength or understanding, but in the unwavering character of God. The book of Lamentations, born from Israel's deepest pain, offers a glimpse of this hope. Though the author acknowledges the grief and the justice of God's wrath against sin, he also remembers that "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end" (Lamentations 3:22).

So, how do we cope when the earth seems to be giving way?

• Turn to God in prayer. Like many figures throughout Scripture, our first and most critical response should be to cry out to God with our burdens. He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). We can pray for comfort for the suffering, wisdom for those in authority, and trust that God is ultimately in control.
• Embrace the full range of emotion. The Bible gives us a sacred space for lament. From the psalms of David to the book of Job, Scripture does not ask us to deny our pain or put on a brave face. Instead, it invites us to be emotionally honest with God, venting our anger, confusion, and dismay.
• Fix your eyes on eternity. The troubles of this world are temporary. Our hope is anchored in the promise that Jesus will return and make all things new, wiping away every tear. This does not diminish our present pain but frames it within a larger story of ultimate restoration. By keeping our minds fixed on the hope of glory, we can persevere.
• Actively show love and compassion. Viewing tragedy should move us to action, not just despair. We can respond by weeping with those who weep, offering aid, and loving our neighbors. In doing so, we demonstrate the love of Christ to a watching world.
• Rest in God's sovereignty. Though the reasons for suffering are often beyond our understanding, we can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign even over our pain. He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and his grace is sufficient.

The cross is the ultimate answer to the problem of evil and suffering. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, willingly entered into the deepest human pain and loss to defeat it forever. His death and resurrection prove that God is not indifferent to our suffering; he fully understands it and has already provided the ultimate victory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, our hearts are heavy with the pain we see in the world. When the news overwhelms us and fear threatens to take hold, help us to be still and know that you are God. Be our refuge and our strength. Weep with those who weep and comfort the brokenhearted. Remind us that in Christ, you have overcome the world, and you are working all things for good. Give us the grace to trust you and the courage to love others as you have loved us. We pray these things in the most precious and equally mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.