It’s hard to process the devastation in the Hill Country.

I became aware of the flooding disaster when my wife, Ashley, told me that she read a breaking report about a girls’ camp that had been flooded and all of these little girls were missing or dead. My initial reaction was to feel sad and simultaneously to guard my heart. As a dad of four precious children, including one little girl, I was not ready to read or listen to news reports, other than being knowledgeable about basic facts. But nothing in depth. Not yet.

At church over the weekend, several people submitted prayer requests for the victims, families, and rescue workers. People told me how the tragedy was affecting them. Comments included: “How can we help? Please let us know.” “I can’t stop thinking about it, especially the girls from the camp.” These comments are representative of the compassionate hearts of the congregation I serve – hurting with those who hurt and wanting to help.

Earlier today on my morning run, I listened to a podcast interview with a government leader who visited Camp Mystic in the aftermath of the destruction. He described the physical wreckage and the wrecked lives of grieving parents. He got choked up describing what he saw and had a hard time finishing the interview.

One of our members, who is a veteran of disaster relief work overseas, asked that we continue to pray for the rescue workers, especially those who are searching for missing people. Our member wrote, “Not only is it dangerous for them but what they see is something that they will live with forever. I am speaking from experience as a responder following the Japan tsunami and earthquake. I pray that God will comfort them and give them peace.” I heard this morning that more than 850 people have been rescued thanks to the work of many brave people. May God watch over all of the rescue workers and protect them in body and spirit.

Another member was planning to drive to Kerrville to help with relief efforts. He found out that not only is Kerrville overwhelmed with donated items, they’re also overwhelmed with volunteers. Realizing his services are not needed at this time, the member wrote in his reflections to me, “Our immediate impulse is to rush toward the pain to embrace and lift up the hurting in Jesus’ name. However, we must check our impulses and make certain we are not going so that we can say we did. The need must be clearly defined and matched to the gifts I can deliver.”

Reactions to the flooding disaster have varied, but one commonality is a shared sense of sadness.

How do we process such a tragic event? With faith. When our feelings lead the way, we’re prone to become overcome by sadness. It’s simply too much. Even if you don’t personally know anyone who has been harmed by the flooding, we can imagine ourselves in their shoes and feel pain in our hearts.

Faith holds onto God in the midst of sadness. Psalm 46 speaks to this moment. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. … ‘Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11)

As people of faith, we can serve through our prayers. Pray for the rescue workers. Pray for the pastors conducting funerals and ministering to families. Pray for leaders as they decide how best to allocate resources. God will work through these people. I have a friend who is a counselor. She and a group of counselors have been invited to come and provide counseling services. I pray for her as she serves.

Be still and know that He is God. And in knowing that He is God, know that He is sovereign, merciful, and compassionate. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers. In Jesus’ name.