Utterly Heartbroken. But God...

​I woke up to more devastating news. And I'm heartbroken. 

I'm heartbroken over the precious lives lost and for their grieving families. 

I'm heartbroken over the ways horrible, violent actions of some will affect the good, needed progress being made by the majority. 

I'm heartbroken over the comments I've already seen on social media that are unknowingly drenched in white privilege. 

I'm simply heartbroken. And I don't know what to do. When I dwell on the violence, on the negativity, on the lack of even trying to understand on any side of any issue, I want to shut down. It can all easily and quickly paralyze me. 

But when I shut off the news and social media, I  can dwell on the gospel and on the truths of who God is and what He has promised, who He says I am and what He has called and equipped me to do. 

So when I start to become paralyzed by fear and overwhelmed by grief and confusion, I have to start listing out some "but Gods."

Sin abounds everywhere in this country, in the world. But God is perfect, His ways are good, and He has given me His Spirit and has equipped me for every good work. 

Injustice fills the news in this country, in the world. But God is just and slow to anger, He sees oppression and hates injustice, and He has given me a voice and resources to speak up, to defend, to give. 

Hatred and disunity linger in our pews, neighborhoods, country, in the world. But God is love, He has created everyone in His image, and He has called me to simply love Him and love others.

The evil one prowls all around trying to distract and tempt and devour in this country, in the world. But God is on His throne, He has provided the gospel for eternal life and for abundant life now, and He has graciously allowed me to receive it and given me a mission to share it.

Tragedies constantly occur making people feel alone and isolated in this country, in the world. But God is near, He has gifted us with the Church, and He has called me to live in her beautiful, unifying, gospel community and invite my hurting neighbors and this hurting world to come take part.

Tears and heartache flow heavily every day for so many painful reasons in this country, in the world. But God is full of compassion, He sees every tear that falls, and He has enabled me to see others in the midst of their pain and be there for them.

Brokenness seemingly covers all aspects of life in this country, in the world. But God redeems, He faithfully restores and renews, and He has given me a story of redemption to remember and to offer to others. 

So when I feel helpless, overwhelmed, and stuck I can press on knowing and clinging to the Truth.

And so today, I choose to show my family, my neighbors, the world love and kindness and forgiveness and joy and peace and and gratitude and generosity and hope and justice and compassion and celebration and grace and courage and patience and mercy completely saturated in the gospel. 

And maybe, just maybe, that kind of intentional living, centered on the gospel and dedicated to prayer and fasting, will be used for God's glory to make some difference in this country, in the world.

​Will you join me?