Some days, like today, the tragedy surrounding us is too much to carry.

The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the murder of refugee Iryna Zarutska, and two recent school shootings in Minnesota and Colorado. That makes 48 school shootings this year in the U.S. alone. Today is also 9/11, a day we will never forget, when our country was shaken by violence and terrorism.

You open the news, you open social media, and all you see is tragedy. outrage. division.

But at the center of every headline, there are families grieving: sons, daughters, husbands, wives. Real people with names and stories.

It’s easy to shut down when the world seems to be falling apart around you. You might be asking the question –

What do I do with all of this pain?

None of us have the perfect response or the right answers but we do know this: Our desperately broken world needs the Hope of the Gospel. And if you can remain rooted in Christ, you will be a beacon of Hope even as you mourn.

Here are some ways to help you stay rooted in Christ as you wrestle with grief today:

Be Rooted in Mercy

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” | Colossians 3:12-14

If you’re feeling angry, heartbroken, or helpless: that’s not wrong. It’s human. And it’s even biblical. Jesus calls us to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). The ache you feel is mercy at work in you, pointing you back to His heart. Leading with compassion is never an inappropriate response.

Be Rooted in His Word

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” | Psalm 34:18

Every person, known or unknown, is precious to Jesus. He sees every tear, every name, every trauma, and every story. Over and over, Scripture reminds us not to fear, not because tragedy disappears, but because we have an eternal hope and we are seen, known, and carried for by Jesus.

Be Rooted in Prayer

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” | Jeremiah 33:3

Instead of being paralyzed by the heaviness, we can bring names and stories before God. There is one person who will never judge you for how you feel, and will listen intently to every word you say, it’s the Lord.

We don’t have to come up with the right words. Just bring names, faces, and stories before the Lord. Whisper a prayer when you see a headline. Say it out loud in your home with your family or friends. Write down their names in a journal. God hears every single word.

Be Rooted in Worship

“May the praise of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands.” | Psalm 149:6

Worship doesn’t erase grief, but it invites Him into it. When we lift the name of Jesus, we remind our hearts, and the enemy, who’s really in control. Set aside your car rides or winding down time to listen to some worship music and soak in His presence!

Be Rooted in Victory

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” | 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Jesus has the final say. Over our world, and over each person. We can pray, we can feel, we can show up for those who are hurting by hurting with them.

A Prayer for Tragedy

Lord,

We need You. Today and every day. We pray Your peace that surpasses our understanding over the hurting families of Charlie Kirk, Iryna Zarutska, the victims of the Minneapolis and Colorado shootings, and the victims of 9/11. No matter what the chaos of this world holds, Jesus, You are in control and You are holding all of us. Please help us to be image bearers of You. When tragedy comes, help us cling to Hope.

Amen

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