Count It All Joy

July 3rd, Jamie, the Lead Pastor at New Day, and I were finishing up having dinner with our families. We had a great dinner and were getting ready to head over to another staff member's house for a poker night with the guys when we got the call. A wonderful family in our church experienced a tragedy. The husband passed away, and not by natural causes, leaving behind a beautiful wife and two beautiful little kids. The knots began to build in our stomachs and we knew what the next step was. We were heading over to the family's home. You know, I love being a pastor, but at moments like this it gets really hard.

A verse popped in my head from Romans chapter 12 verse 15 and it says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn." This verse has never been so real to me. This isn't really a verse that stands out to you too much until you're in a situation like this. I've mourned with people before, but never over a death, and especially one that occurred only a few hours before. What do you do? What do you say? Is there anything you can do or say? I don't know.

For the family, there are so many questions and so few answers. The grief and frustration and guilt and sadness and anger...so many emotions I'm sure they will have to eventually process. I know there is nothing that I can say or do to bring comfort to a family who is experiencing such a horriffic tragedy, but I do know that there is a peace that surpasses all understanding that can be found in the loving arms of Christ. Will they ever understand why? Probably not, but in His love they will find rest, and in His arms they will find comfort.

Psalm 119:76 says, "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." That is my prayer for this family today. That they would find comfort in the unfailing love of Christ. And for me, Jamie, and all of New Day, may we embrace this family, be the church, and mourn with them.

In James chapter 1 it talks about facing trials and how we should consider it pure joy because it produces perseverance. Pure joy? This, in light of yesterday's loss, is another verse that just got a little harder. No less true, but never more real. This particular verse came to mind because on a shelf in this family's home was a book, written by the wife, titled, "Count It All Joy."

God, be with this family. Surrnound them with your love and peace and comfort. Give them strength enough to make it through this loss. Let your presence be felt like never before in their home and in their hearts.

To One End