Grief on the Road to Seville

On Wednesday morning, a high-speed train traveling from Madrid to Seville struck the rear of another train that had stopped near Urda, in central Spain. Authorities say at least 64 people were killed and at least 80 injured, with more than 500 passengers on board the two trains. The cause is not yet known, and rescue workers are still searching the wreckage. It is Spain's second major train accident this year (NPR).

These were ordinary travelers on an ordinary morning. Someone was heading home, someone to work, someone to see family. One passenger said everything went flying. That's what grief like this does. It comes without warning and turns a whole life upside down in a moment.

We can't explain it, and we don't have to. What we can do is bring it to the One who doesn't look away. Scripture says God is near to the brokenhearted, not far from them. Right now, there are families in Spain waiting by phones and hospital beds. Let's carry them to Him, and let's remember the rescuers and nurses who are carrying so much right now.

Father, be near to every family in Spain who is waiting for news or mourning someone they love. Heal the injured and steady the hands of the doctors, nurses, and rescue workers. Give comfort where there are no words and hope where there is only shock. And remind us to hold the people we love a little closer today. Amen.

One thing to do: Thank a first responder, nurse, or emergency worker in your own community this week, with a note, a meal, or a simple word of gratitude, and pray for them by name.

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18, ESV)

Source: NPR