Making Sense of the Senseless

The news breaking across the morning airwaves has become so common place we may not even notice the stories.  Senseless gun violence in Seattle’s Capitol Hill area has more than tripled in the first half 0f the year 2022 compared to last year. Seattle Police estimates that at least 50 shots peppered the streets last Sunday morning near a nightclub.

Meanwhile only a week ago, on July 17, 2022, tragedy rocked our nation. 4 people were injured at a shooting in Newark, New Jersey; 4 more injured in Brooklyn; 2 injured and 2 killed in Vancouver, Washington; 4 injured in Grand Rapids, Michigan; 5 injured just northeast of Macon, Georgia; 3 injured and 1 dead on Indianapolis’ north side, while 2 injured and 4 killed at a shopping mall just south of the city; 4 injured in Detroit; while another 5 are injured in Mt. Vernon, Washington. The body count for a 24 hour period: 33 injured and 7 dead. The tragedy is senseless.

The Statistics are Alarming

The violence is a part of a growing trend. At the beginning of the month of July, the United States had recorded 306 mass shootings (shootings with 4 or more injured or dead), We are on track to beat last year’s record of 692 mass shootings. About 10,000 people have died nationwide due to guns – intentional and accidental shootings, but does not include suicides. Records have been set in each of the last 3 years. 2022 will at least be close to the 20,944 record deaths set last year.

Few circumstances raise more questions to me from family, friends and foreigners than senseless disasters. Why did this happen? Religious, agnostic or atheist ponders the depth of the meaning of life and of tragic events. And for the believer, the mammoth, Job-ian question always haunts: Why didn’t God stop this? Where is He? We cannot offer an answer that will cause the feelings of loss and grief to vanish, particularly for those who have been physically, mentally and emotionally up-ended by the events. But it is possible to make some important observations.

First, realize all creation groans.

There are few other ways to understand Paul’s words to the Romans than this. Because of the presence of Satan and sin, “all of creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth, right up to the present time” (Romans 8:22 NIV). Paul explains that creation has been subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the powerful will of God (Romans 8:20). It longs for the day when God’s ultimate plan and purpose will be revealed (Romans 8:19).

Tornadoes, earthquakes, even natural sickness and death are the result of the presence of sin in our world. Man’s inhumanity to man remains the poorest of choices available to sinners who can’t see beyond their own selfish desires. “But isn’t God powerful enough to stop all of this?” Absolutely. But Jesus explains the reasoning for the perceived in-action. Have you ever pulled weeds from a densely planted garden? It is almost impossible to pull the weeds without negatively impacting the flowers (see Jesus’ parable of wheat and tares, Matthew 13:24-30).

Next, understand senseless tragedies most often happen randomly.

When senseless tragedy strikes, it is natural to wonder if God is somehow sending discipline or judgment upon certain individuals. Those perceptions are often fueled by well-meaning people of faith who attribute the actions to the judgment of God. Jesus fielded the same kind of question from His disciples. When some were put to death by the hands of Pilate, Jesus wondered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way” (Luke 13:2 NIV). Jesus quickly set them straight by affirming such was not the case.

Then, blanket the senseless circumstances and people with your prayers.

When someone says, “All I can do is pray,” they are not offering a cop-out answer. There are some things that can be done. Families who have lost loved ones because of senseless tragedies may need physical things and emotional support. Tougher penalties for criminals and more meaningful monitoring of the process of buying and selling a gun make realistic boundaries. Wider access to legitimate counseling for the troubled may bring healing and heightened abilities to cope.

But I cannot change the heart of my neighbor. But the message of the gospel can.

Take your feelings about the circumstance to the Lord. Be honest and open to Him about the turmoil you feel because of the nature of the crimes. Join with believers through the centuries who have cried out to the Father, “How long O Lord will the righteous suffer?” Pray for His justice to be seen in our world. Plead for the return of His Son.

Pray for the people. Make petitions for those troubled and angry enough to lash out in a fit of murderous rage. Pray for the strength and health of the families who have lost loved ones. Lift up prayers for the families of those who experienced the turmoil of the circumstance. For law enforcement, government officials, medical and emergency responders, and those who work in a pastoral role, pray they offer guidance and hope. Pray for the grace of God to touch lives.

Pray with St. Francis, “Lord make me an instrument of Thy peace.”

Finally, be motivated to act with love and grace.

Don’t let the words of your prayer be empty. Let your dependence upon your Heavenly Father motivate your actions with love and grace. Rather than complain about the state of the world and the culture, take positive steps to change the world and culture YOU live within. James wrote, “ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it” (James 2:15-16 NIV)?

Andrew Murray once wrote, “We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and can bring its power down to earth.”

Pray like it matters. Our world needs it.