Finding Peace in Tragedy: Shifting Perspective, Trusting God, and Discovering Healing

Finding Peace in the Midst of Tragedy

Life can be unpredictable and challenging, throwing us curveballs when we least expect it. Many times, we are left with questions that seem impossible to answer. Why did this happen to me? Why did I have to go through this? If God is in control, why did he allow it?

As a polio survivor who contracted the disease long after it was supposed to be eradicated, and a mother who lost her infant son due to a misdiagnosis, I have asked myself these questions and more. These tragedies were unspeakable, and the pain they caused was unbearable. For years, I struggled to find answers to my questions.

However, through my journey, I have discovered that finding peace in the midst of tragedy is possible. It requires a shift in perspective, a deeper understanding of God's character, and a willingness to trust Him even when we don't understand.

Our Limited Perspective

When we face tragedy, it's easy to focus on the pain and the loss. We can become consumed with our questions, trying to understand why something happened. However, as finite human beings, our perspective is limited. We cannot see the whole picture, and we may never fully understand why certain things happen.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." This verse reminds us that God's ways are beyond our understanding.

Instead of focusing on our questions, we can shift our perspective to focus on God's character. We can remember that He is good, faithful, and loving, even in the midst of tragedy.

God's Character

God's character is unchanging, and we can trust Him even when we don't understand why things happen.

Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." This verse reminds us that God is with us in our pain and that He can bring healing and restoration.

Furthermore, Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse reminds us that God can use even the most difficult situations for our good and His glory.

It's important to remember that God does not cause tragedy. However, He can use our pain and suffering to draw us closer to Him and to accomplish His purposes.

Trusting God

Trusting God in the midst of tragedy can be difficult. We may not understand why something happened, and we may feel angry or abandoned. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to trust God even when we don't understand.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse reminds us that we can trust God's plan, even when we don't understand it.

Furthermore, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us in our pain. Psalm 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding peace in the midst of tragedy is possible. It requires a shift in perspective, a deeper understanding of God's character, and a willingness to trust Him even when we don't understand.

As we face difficult situations, we can choose to focus on God's character and trust that He is good, faithful, and loving. We can trust that He can use even the most difficult circumstances for our good and His glory.

Finally, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us in our pain and that He can bring healing and restoration.

May we continually seek God's peace and comfort, even in the midst of life's greatest challenges.