We cry… God cries with us

Most of us have searched in vain for words in response to the horrific massacre at Sandy Hook yesterday that capped off a year of senseless shootings in the US.  What evil could possibly provoke this young man to so viciously destroy the lives of innocent teachers and aides, and brutally steal the futures of pure, unblemished children?  The heartbreak and devastation that gushes out of a tragedy like this is simply unthinkable.

Last night and this morning I searched for answers in the pages of the Bible and all I could find were verses describing how much God loves those school staff members.  How much he treasures those precious young children.  How much His heart breaks for the families of those whose lives were rubbed out.

But I must admit, I still don’t get it.

But based on all I know about God and His love for His kids, I trust that despite all the pain and loss, He still understands… He still loves… and He still has a plan for a future and a hope for those who love Him.

Unable to find my own words to describe the feelings that wash over me this day, I am grateful for the words of my friend Stefanie Kelly and, with her permission, I have posted a poignant, tender song below that she wrote.  This beautiful piece of poetry was written years ago in the face of a tragedy in her own family and as a result of writing it, great comfort has been brought to many who have gone through their own personal crises.  As you listen, I pray you too will draw comfort in these sensitive, sweet words (lyrics reprinted below).

CLICK ON IMAGE

I KNOW HE KNOWS

I don’t know why the flowers bloom and then they fade
I don’t know when the winds will change
I don’t know why the love of many will wax cold
But I know He knows

I don’t know when the sun will shine or when it hides
I don’t know when the waves will subside
I don’t know why it takes a storm to make me grow
But I know He knows

And though my heart may never know the reason for the pain
And my eyes may only see the rain
The answers why may never come, but hope still floods my soul
I don’t know why but I know He knows

I don’t know why the heavens open wide and cry
I don’t know why the well, oh it runs dry
I don’t know how He turns a heart of stone to gold
But I know He knows

And though my heart may never know the reason for the pain
And my eyes, they may only see the rain
The answers why may never come, but hope still floods my soul
I don’t know why…

And though my heart may never know the reason for the pain
And my eyes, they may only see the rain
The answers why may never come, but hope still floods my soul
I don’t know why butI don’t know why

I don’t know why Messiah died for one like me
I’ll never understand His grace
I’ll never comprehend such love in Him alone
But I know He knows

Copyright 2003 Stefanie Kelly
Used and posted by permission.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

 

Sylvia is a singer and Christian women’s speaker, and lives in Southern California.

Read Sylvia’s other posts, and LIKE her on Facebook!

53 thoughts on “We cry… God cries with us”

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  33. Sylvia, after reading all of the comments that are so well said I really don’t have much more to add. But I thank you for your words of encouragement and this BEAUTIFUL song. They have touched those of us who have read them and heard the message from Stephanie. It reminds us that the scriptures (when we take the time to read God’s word) can bring us great peace in such a fallen and broken world. I love you so much my friend.

  34. Oh, as I read this I have the local news talking in the background about growing mental health issues in this country that is evidenced by these more frequent school shootings. Loneliness and anger are words they attribute to the shooters. Being words of emotion they are issues of the spirit and issues of the spirit have to be resolved by the Spirit. May your blog, as it seems it is, continue to remind, introduce, reintroduce we people to the knowledge of the Great Spirit who wants us to be free in His love and care. Anger comes from feeling a lack of justice and care. Loneliness comes from feeling forgotten. May we cast our cares on Him and trust in His strategy, for He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 Thank you 🙂

  35. Wow! That song was absolutely beautiful. Thankyou for your heartfelt blog, you summed it all up so well. That song was a perfect reminder that God knows it all, even when we don’t. It’s so hard to make sense of terrible events like that shooting, but we know that God has those babies safe in his arms right now.

  36. Thank you Sylvia. I loved your music and perfomance at Journey’s Christmas Tea.
    Thanks for giving us something to comfort us during this terrible tragedy. It doesn’t make sense but God does.

  37. Thank you so much – this really ministered to me with the loss of my precious husband. My first Christmas without a Godly man.

  38. Thank you Sylvia for a beautiful post and song. I am feeling troubled by recent events both near and far away; however I am comforted by your words. I have also been playing your Christmas cd non stop for over a week now; another item of beauty by your talented self..

  39. And I have been feeling sorry for myself because I have been sick for over a week with the flu and can’t seem to shake it. Shame on me. Lord you along can comfort the brokenhearted. Please minister to all the grieving due to this senseless rampage.

    Anne Rideout

  40. Even though I don’t understand a God who would let something like this happen I am moved beyond words to read this blog and to hear this extraordinary song. Why isn’t this all over the airwaves? I have never heard of Stefanie Kelly but I will definitely go find her on the internet but wow what a song. I hope the families of the children will find this and get some comfort from it.

    1. God tells us that we can’t understand His mind. But we can understand His heart when we read things like “Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (John 10:14 NASB) or when He empathetically tells us “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18). What hits me stronger than anything today are the words of His Spirit, that remind us “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8. I love you.

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