We can grieve for someone suffering miles away. We can carry sorrow for people and families we may never meet.
As most of the nation woke to sun-filled celebrations for the Fourth of July, communities along the Guadeloupe River in Central Texas were grappling with catastrophic flash flooding after a storm.
As of this writing, rescue and recovery teams are still searching for the missing, including a cabin of second grade girls and their counselors from Camp Mystic. The losses are too heavy to take in. I’ve scrolled through countless images and reels, news stories of watery escapes and family members still unaccounted for.
Widespread devastation like this leaves us feeling helpless as we collectively grieve for the unthinkable losses we watch play out.
While we can’t fix the excruciating grief reverberating through families and communities, we can pray. Never doubt that your long-distance prayers matter.
Join me in lifting up those who’ve suffered deep loss, those in leadership, and those in recovery efforts as we hold sorrow and hope.
A prayer of lament after the storm
Lord, we weep with those who are weeping. We grieve the brokenness of this world, the loss of innocence, and the loss of ones dearly loved. We lament as a nation for the deep suffering in families and communities that will change life as they know it. And we also hold hope for miracles. You see every sorrow, you know the gut-wrenching pain, and you hear our groans too deep for words.
There are no words, Lord, but we look to you. Give wisdom to those in leadership making decisions, guide those who are searching, and strengthen those weary in efforts to rescue.
You are our only hope. You are not helpless among the ruins. When we don’t understand the pain of circumstances, help us anchor our trust in you who reigns over our circumstance. Wrap every broken heart in your strong love as you walk them through tasks they never saw coming. Be our refuge in this storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scriptures for comfort after the storm
In my own deep loss, scripture was a continual reminder that God is my hope and anchor in the storm. These are some of my go-to scriptures for comfort as we grieve with hope.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (ESV)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
“He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19 (ESV)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” Psalm 107:29 (ESV)
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