Where Was God When the Unthinkable Happened?
God is near to the brokenhearted. No matter what happens, this one truth remains. He sees you. He hears your cries. He feels your pain. You are not alone.
The unthinkable happened in my province last week when a teenage shooter entered a secondary school and opened fire. Five students and a teacher lost their lives that day. So did the shooter, her mother, and her half-brother.
The community of Tumbler Ridge, population approximately 2400, is reeling. British Columbians—myself included—are stunned. My fellow countrymen are devastated, and understandably so. Violence of this nature is rare in Canada and especially so in rural, tightly-knit towns where everyone knows everyone.
Trying to make sense of what makes no sense
Our human bent longs to make sense of what makes no sense. We want answers for the questions we can barely articulate. We want explanations to ease the pain. But sometimes we draw a blank.
I listened to a radio interview with two pastors from Tumbler Ridge yesterday. They’re drawing a blank too. Cautious not to offer pat answers that can inflict more and unnecessary pain on those already hurting, they offer a listening ear, practical support, and prayer.
Sometimes making sense of tragedy is impossible. It’s okay to acknowledge that we don’t understand why things happen as they do. It’s okay to cry. It’s even okay to ask, “Where was God when the unthinkable happened?”
Asking the question then and now
Perhaps Jesus’s disciples felt like asking the same question that dark day more than two thousand years ago.
They stared in horror as Roman soldiers nailed their beloved Teacher’s hands and feet to a wooden cross. They watched in disbelief as the soldiers gambled for Jesus’s robe. Perhaps they heard Jesus cry, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)
This wasn’t the script Jesus’s disciples had imagined, and they struggled to make sense of circumstances just as we do today.
Life rarely turns out as we think it should, and the unthinkable happens more times than we care to count:
- A spouse packs up and walks away.
- Cancer cuts a child’s life short.
- An accident renders a family member disabled.
- A natural disaster destroys home and belongings.
- A trusted leader proves untrustworthy.
The list goes on. Every day, life takes a turn never anticipated, and someone asks the question, “Where was God when the unthinkable happened?”
A promise for when we have no answers
I won’t pretend to have answers for the tough questions asked in tough times. Like the pastor on the radio interview, I refuse to offer pat answers that deepen the wound. I will, however, offer one promise to which the wounded can cling:
God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)
God. Is. Close. When the unthinkable happens and breaks your heart, hold tight to these words.
God is near, my friend. Your emotions might be saying something different, but don’t let them lead you down a path into a deeper despair than you already feel.
God is near to those whose hearts are broken. No matter what happens, this one truth remains. He sees you. He hears your cries. He feels your pain. You are not alone.
May I pray for you?
“Heavenly Father, our hearts break for those whose hearts are broken, not only in Tumbler Ridge but around the world. Thank You for giving hope to those who hurt. Thank You for Your promise to be near them. Bring comfort. Bring peace. Bring tangible reminders that You are with them amid the unthinkable. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
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Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
Thank you for this, Grace. We received the shocking call from NY police on November 29th that our 44 year old son was found dead in his apartment. We’re still awaiting toxicology reports, longing for closure, and processing the grief. My pastors tell me to leave all questions in the hands of our all-knowing Father, and I’m trying, but I wish I could know that Ryan called out to the Lord and that he is with Him now. 💔😢
Juanita, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain you have experienced.
“Father, You know the pain Juanita is carrying in her heart over the loss of her son. Please send tangible reminders of Your presence. Surround her with Your faithful promises and lovingkindness. Bring comfort and peace and somehow, in some way, bring beauty from ashes. In Jesus’s name, amen.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you so much, Grace. That beauty from ashes prayer echoes the one I’ve been praying.
Hi Juanita:
Only God can work a miracle like that, right? He can, and somehow He will. PTL.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you Grace for that encouraging word. The reminder of the disciples and their hours of turmoil remind us of those uncertainties we all face at times.
May the God of all comfort surround all those who are grieving .
Hi Cynthia:
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts here. I think about how the disciples hid in a locked room after Christ’s crucifixion, and I wonder what they were thinking at the time. As surely as Jesus showed up then, in the midst of their questions and fear, so He is with the brokenhearted today. We serve a risen Savior!
Know you are loved,
Grace
Dear Grace,
Our sure foundation is always near! Thank you Grace. Bless you
Hi Aidan:
I agree with you — we are so blessed to have God as our sure foundation. Everything might shake and shift and crumble around us, but He remains steadfast. He is our anchor when those winds of life blow strong.
Know you are loved,
Grace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Amen and amen!!
Dear Grace…
Once again, your words…this worship song(God is with us) bring help on this day, 2/21…38 days after our police officer son was shot and killed. God’s promise, when we have no answers that you shared from Psa. 34…..is what this sad heart needed to hear.
Thinking of these other grief-stricken souls in Tumbler Ridge, awakens my own heart to pray for them…for the God of all comfort to bring His comfort to them.
Thank you for lifting our hearts Heavenward, always.
Hi Debby:
The worship song seemed ideal for this thought about God being near to the brokenhearted. Where, oh where, would we be without Him? May God continue to wrap His arms around you and comfort you in these difficult days as you learn to walk a new normal. Big hugs to you, my friend.
Know you are loved,
Grace