Tears in a Bottle

It was 10:30 am, on Sunday, November 5. Ben and I, along with about 75 other YMCA staff from all over Texas were riveted to our speaker, Jason Cole. Jason was warning us of some of the challenges that we might face as we come down from our “mountain top” weekend. He reminded us to stay alert, be prepared and stand firm in the Lord, no matter what happens.  We left camp energized and inspired in our faith. 

Just minutes later, as most of us were traveling back home, a gunman came into First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, and killed 26 people and injured 20. Lives changed forever in moments. As the names of those who died were given, story after story emerged of beautiful children and adults, whose lives were taken way too soon. And here we are once again, grieving for those who’ve lost family and friends in a senseless manner.

Though some may question where God was that day, God was very, very present. I even believe that God felt the pain and agony of each person in that church as the bullets scattered. I believe His grace was sufficient for each one of them in their moments of terror and suffering. And for those loved ones left behind this senseless tragedy? God is and will continue to be very present. Psalm 56:8 says “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”  

When David wrote these words in the Psalms, he had been captured by the Philistines and was a prisoner of war. He had a reason to be sorrowful and fearful or even give up on God. But instead, David expressed a deep trust in God. In the midst of a troubling time, David spoke out “This I know, God is for me…..In God, I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:9, 11)

How do we respond to Sutherland Springs? We live in a fallen world. Tragedies will continue to happen. Human beings are not always kind to one another. Yet, in our sadness, we can pray fervently for good to overcome evil. We can pray for those in Sutherland Springs who have lost loved ones. We can draw near to God and realize that He is our only true hope in a deeply troubled world.  We can cry out to God like David did, knowing that God collects our tears in a bottle. We can ask God to make us more compassionate people, looking for ways to inspire and encourage those who struggle. We can ask God to increase our faith and take a stand in our faith, even if we're judged for it. We can decide to make a difference in our community and serve others. How about you?  

“The only love that won’t disappoint you is one that can’t change, that can’t be lost, that is not based on the ups and downs of life or of how well you live. It is something that not even death can take away from you. God’s love is the only thing like that.” (Pg. 304, Tim Keller,  Walking with God through Pain and Suffering)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.