A mile-wide thunderstorm cut through south central Oklahoma yesterday afternoon leaving in its wake devastation, destruction and loss of life. Once again it was Moore Oklahoma, my wife's hometown, that seemed to suffer the storm's brunt. As of this morning 24 are reported dead, and, today, sifting through the rubble stunned at the mass of destruction, residents can only be amazed this number is not more.
Belinda graduated from Moore High School in 1971. She was a cheerleader and active in the community and at the First Baptist Church. She has many friends who live in Moore, as well as her sister, sister's family and Dad. So, needless to say, we were anxious last night as we awaited news from each of them.
As the evening dragged on we learned our loved ones were all safe, suffering but the loss of an office building to the brother of our brother-in-law. Unfortunately this was not the case for all else - as among the deceased were seven children who had futilely tried to take cover in their elementary school now destroyed.
Now today our forecast calls for the possibility of more storms - so that feelings among us are tenuous, at best. How do the residents of Moore face this day? Even more, how do those who minister there - pastors and counselors - help people deal with life events after one such as this, so dramatic and devastating?
The Psalmist writes, teach us to 'number our days' (Psalm 90:12), meaning teach us, LORD, to treat them with care and not take them for granted. Certainly this is part of our answer. Who wouldn't come away from a life event like that in Moore with a more sober reflection on life. But... the Bible also teaches our days (times) rest in the hand of the LORD (Psalm 31:15), leaving us a conundrum. Are we to do both? To 'take care' and, yet, 'not' worry? If this is so, how can we?
I think there is only one way we can be careful absent of worry, and it is through the Lordship of Christ. A vibrant relationship with Jesus births a preciousness to life that centers us on sharing His gospel. While doing so, this also lifts us from the burden of over-concern and worry. In short, as His children we find our comfort by serving His purpose while absolutely knowing He is in charge with our best interest at hand.
To care about life as a Christian, then, is to be careful about our days so they might count for the sake of the gospel. This is the opposite of worshipping life for life sake, and it is a model freeing us from worry. Indeed, we 'cast our care upon Him' confidently, knowing, 'He cares for us.'
Storms will come, we can be sure of this. But, as we suffer their tumult and help others with the same, let us remember to keep this perspective to life clear - that we be careful with our time without caring more for our time than Him.
Blessings,
Pastor Sam
