There is the illusion of peace and security and in a moment that illusion is shattered
Here in Israel, bodies are still being identified and people are still burying their dead.
It feels like on long SHIVA. The SHIVA is the Jewish 7 day mourning period where friends and family comfort the grieving and remember their lost loved one.
Living through this very difficult time here is Israel these verses from Ecclesiastes came to mind.
2 It is better to enter a house of mourning
than a house of feasting,
since death is the end of every man,
and the living should take this to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
for a sad countenance is good for the heart.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
Everybody experiences loss.
Everybody experiences death.
Everybody experiences some level of tragedy.
There can be wisdom in grief.
We struggle to overcome.
We struggle to get better and to recover.
Many questions are asked.
Why did it happen?
How did it happen?
Maybe there is guilt.
Did I have anything to do with it?
Could I have prevented it?
There is soul searching in grief, in tragedy and loss?
People pray when they are faced with situations and circumstances that are beyond their control.
People come together in times of trouble and tragedy.
We support one another and we find courage to comfort and to support those in need.
We emerge stronger and wiser through trials and tribulations.
We develop resilience and become prepared to face future trials and struggles.
In his letter to the Romans Paul says that we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God and
3 Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
Let us embrace what we are going through and may we grow stronger, wiser and more able to face the troubles coming our way.