It was truly amazing. Sitting at the church with my IPad in front
of me I was able to watch, LIVE, the historic tornado that swept through
central Oklahoma and left destruction, devastation and death along its
path. It was so surreal, so amazing…so heartbreaking.
Technology has given us so many advantages but there are
also some great disadvantages. In the case of the tornado, watching as it transpired
seemed to lessen the impact of what was truly happening on the ground. It was almost as if I was watching a
television show rather than human tragedy occurring before my very eyes. What
really affected me most weren’t the live images flashing across my screen but
the photographs of Moore, OK hours later that so clearly displayed the humanity
of that historic event.
Walking through the book of Philippians, it struck me while
watching, reading and listening to those affected by the tornado how
unbelievably difficult it would be to find a place of joy in one’s life, after
losing so much. Does such a place even exist in our human condition?
I believe Paul points out in his amazing letter to the
church in Philippi, that no, in the human condition, that place does not
exist. How then, can you find peace and
joy when everything you hold precious and dear has been literally snatched from
your fingertips?
This Peace, This Joy can only be found in the creator. Philippians 4 tells us to lift all our cares,
pains, anxieties…everything to the throne of God and there, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
Daily, in our human condition,
circumstances, people, things and worry can quickly distract and discourage us.
We strive to grasp hold of that brass ring but it continuously evades our
reach. Yet, as near as the Holy Spirit dwelling within us who have been saved
by the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we can claim the promise sung by the
Psalmist, “weeping may stay for the night, but
JOY comes in the morning.” (Ps 30:5)
Our hearts pour out for those so horribly
touched by the tragedy in Oklahoma and we lift up prayers daily for them. As we pray for Oklahoma let’s also be mindful
of those devastated by circumstances, people, things and worry in their lives so
they can lift up their eyes and see, “where does my help come from? My help comes
from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Ps 121:1-2)
