Friday, December 17, 2021
Lord, we pray again for our dear friends whose lives are forever changed by the deadly tornados. The material losses are staggering, but stuff can be replaced. It shouldn’t surprise us if the survivors and volunteers suffer some form of PTSD, having to deal with the surreal damage. For many, the destruction may open emotions they’ve never experienced, and confronting them may be troubling. Even verbalizing these emotions may present challenges. New levels of anxiety, anger, helplessness, grief may leave them in despair. I’ve lost everything! Where to go? What to do? How will I survive this new-normal?
Lord, equip Your followers and godly counselors with wisdom and compassion to help and encourage these dear people. Assure them it’s not a lack of faith to acknowledge these emotions, and that denying them only brings more helplessness. Lord God, You have emotions. You exhibit emotions. Likewise, You created us in Your image with these same emotions. For believers, we know the “joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) but help believers and unbelievers realize that you don’t have to “act happy” when your life is turned upside down and your spirit is grieving. Instead, show them how to “Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). In their grief, Jesus, let them feel Your embrace, for You said, “blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
May we all never forget that amid tragedy, You are close. Amen.
THANKFUL 
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