Getting A Grip On Life After A Tragedy: Where Is God?

July 13, 2025

Getting a Grip on Life After a Tragedy: Where Is God?

“Getting a Grip on Life”

 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”  Psalm 46:1–2 (NIV)

 

1. GOD IS NOT ABSENT IN OUR PAIN.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

  • Sometimes God doesn’t deliver us from the fire—He delivers us in the fire.

2. GOD WELCOMES HONEST QUESTIONS.

“How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”   Psalm 13:1–2 (NIV)

  • God is not threatened by your doubts or silenced by your questions. He invites them because He desires truth seekers not blind followers. 

3. GOD OFTEN WORKS IN HIDDEN WAYS.

“Truly you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.” Isaiah 45:15

“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.”  Romans 8:28 (NIV)

  • Just because the Author is silent doesn’t mean He’s finished writing the story.

4. GOD IS NEAR TO THE BROKEN.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”  Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

  • God doesn’t just fix your pain—He feels your pain.

 

How Do We Get a Grip on Life After Tragedy?

 

I. GRIEVE HONESTLY.

 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”   Matthew 5:4 (NIV)

  • God does not expect us to grieve without hope—but He also does not ask us to hope without grieving.

 II. LEAN ON GOD’S PRESENCE, NOT YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

  • Peace doesn’t come from understanding everything; it comes from knowing God is with you in everything. 

III. FIND STRENGTH IN GOD’S PEOPLE.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NIV)

  • God often answers our prayers for strength through the people He places in our lives.

IV. ANCHOR YOUR HEART IN GOD’S CHARACTER.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)

“For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.”  Psalm 33:4 (NIV)

 

“When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust His heart.” —Charles Spurgeon