Broken-Hearted

I am sitting at my kitchen table trying to get my head around Canada’s worst mass shooting in history. It happened through Saturday night and into Sunday. As of now, there are 19 victims over 16 different crime scenes. The shooter had purchased an old police vehicle and detailed it to look like an RCMP cruiser. He also wore a police uniform that the RCMP said was a either a very accurate imitation or an actual uniform. One RCMP officer was killed in this rampage. At least 19 families go into this week suddenly bereaved of a loved one.

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all the families, friends and colleagues of the victims. I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. I also extend my thanks and prayers to the first responders involved in that event yesterday. The impact of that day will likely stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Finally, let us pray for God’s closeness to all affected. I am especially drawn to these verses.

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 147:3 – He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 61:1 – The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has appointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted.

“O Lord God, draw near to all the broken-hearted in Nova Scotia today. Make your presence known. May your healing work begin now. Teach us what to pray and how we can help. Open our eyes to the broken-hearted around us who need to know of your deep love for them. Amen.”