The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18

Our hearts are grieving for those who have lost loved ones in the horrific disaster that happened along the Guadalupe River this past weekend. As we sort through the thoughts, feelings, and details of these events, I want to offer a prayer, a word of comfort, and ways we can help.

First, we must not dismiss the power of prayer or take it lightly. We have the privilege of going to our compassionate Heavenly Father and taking our hurts, cares, confusion, and requests to Him. I want to encourage you to set aside some time alone with Him to grieve and cry, and also ask for God’s comfort for all the families affected. The Bible tells us that God provides a “peace that passes all understanding.” He wraps His loving arms around us in times like these in ways that are beyond our comprehension. He is the God of comfort and knows how to meet us at our point of greatest need. Join me in prayer:

Father, our hearts are heavy with the loss of so many innocent lives. We don’t know how to comfort the hurting, but You do. Lord, we ask that you would lovingly care for and help the families we know personally, as well as all the ones throughout our state who are hurting from this loss. Lord, provide the loving arms that we are not able to provide right now. Heal their heart-wounds as only you can do over time. Help them find their hope and solace in you. Please be with the rescue efforts and help them to find all who are lost. We thank you for those who were rescued, and we ask for more miracles along the way. Lord, show us how we can help and serve, in Jesus’ Name, Amen

Secondly, a word of comfort. God is with us in our darkest hour. In death, He lovingly ushers His children into His presence. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” That deliverance is not from every bad circumstance here on earth – that deliverance is into His presence when we die. It is hard to understand why God may allow some to go to their Heavenly home early, but we do know that He lovingly ushers His beloved there. And they would not want to come back! We grieve the loss of their lives here, but His precious children are more alive than ever in His presence.

Times like these remind us of the brevity of life on this earth and spur us on to care for those around us with a deep and sincere love. We also begin to think of the reality of eternity and the joy of Heaven, which Jesus provides. Still, the sadness and grief on this earth are real, and we should not ignore the pain that they bring. May we live each day with an eternal perspective and yet a sensitivity to the heartaches of this world, knowing that this is not our final destination.

Finally, what can we do to help those who are in need?

Southern Oaks Church in Kerrville is accepting a variety of donations to support flood relief. Here’s their link:  https://southernoakschurch.com/

Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country created the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund that supports relief and rebuilding efforts. The Community Foundation will direct funds to vetted organizations providing assistance in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. Here’s the link to donate: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

And for those of you who know someone who has personally lost a loved one, ask the Lord for guidance and direction in how you can specifically help. Find out if they are taking food (or if a food train has been established) and bring them a meal. Sometimes I give a comfort basket with comforting items such as a journal, tea, mug, blanket, chocolates, etc. I encourage you to send a note or card as well. Don’t say too much – simply say you love them and are available to them. Our tendency sometimes is to try to explain why God allowed this or cheer them up, but we need to let them grieve and let them know we are thinking of them and care about them. Most importantly, they need to know you are there for them now and in the days to come. They will have a long journey of recovery.

Let us remain prayerful for our fellow Texans and seek God’s direction on how to love and help those who are hurting.