When the Monster of Despair Breaks Loose

 The weekend was peaceful. The sun danced on the lake’s surface, laughter echoed from boats and picnic tables, and families enjoyed the gift of a late summer day. Children played in the water, neighbors waved from docks, and it seemed—for a few hours—that all was well with the world.

And then, without warning, tragedy struck.

Sometimes it comes through suicide. Sometimes through murder. Sometimes through reckless, careless disregard for the life of another. However it happens, when life is suddenly cut short, the sound of joy turns into screams, sirens pierce the calm, and a heavy black cloud falls—not only over the family, but over responders, friends, and witnesses who will never forget what they saw.

Beneath the surface of many lives, ripples of stress, grief, depression, and anger move quietly. At first, they seem manageable—just undercurrents in the waters of daily life. But in reality, a monster lurks there, hidden and waiting. Then, without warning, it breaks loose. Someone we love is pulled under by the monster of despair. The shock is devastating, and in its pull, families and communities are dragged unwillingly into the same dark waters—gasping for air, overwhelmed with questions, and weighed down by sorrow.

The question for us becomes: How do we not stay there? How do we keep from being swallowed by the same darkness? And how can we guard those we love from being dragged under as well?

This kind of trauma doesn’t stop with the moment itself. It shakes the foundation of families, wounds children in ways they cannot yet express, and unsettles entire communities. It leaves a wake of unanswered questions that echo:

• Why did this happen?

• Could it have been prevented?

• Where was God?

• How do we move forward when nothing makes sense?

These questions matter. But they also remind us of the need for patience and grace. In times of crisis, we must be careful not to spread gossip, not to jump to conclusions, and not to assign blame too quickly. Trauma needs space for honesty, lament, and the slow work of healing.

God’s Word tells us that life is precious, knit together in the womb by His own hands (Psalm 139:13–16). To Him, no life is meaningless. Every breath is sacred, every moment held in His care.

Yet Scripture does not ignore the depths of despair. Elijah sat under a tree and prayed, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life” (1 Kings 19:4). Job cried out, “Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire?” (Job 3:11). Jonah begged, “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live” (Jonah 4:3).

Even the faithful struggled with crushing hopelessness. But in every case, God did not cast them away. He met them in their darkest places—sending an angel to strengthen Elijah, restoring Job, and teaching Jonah about His compassion.

Suicide is never God’s plan. Neither is violence or careless disregard for life. But neither is despair beyond His reach.

When tragedy strikes—whether suicide, murder, or reckless loss of life—we often wonder how God sees it. Does He turn His face away? Does He condemn? Scripture paints a different picture:

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
Jesus Himself is described as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).

God responds not with coldness, but with compassion. At the cross, Christ bore the full weight of sin, death, and despair so that even in our darkest moments, hope would not be lost. His heart breaks with ours, and He offers comfort to the grieving and mercy for the lost.

When such tragedy shakes a family and community, our response matters deeply. Too often, silence or gossip deepens the wound. Instead, we are called to bring the presence of Christ into the pain.

• Be present. Sit with the grieving, even in silence. Presence often speaks louder than words.

• Listen without judgment. Families do not need quick answers or clichés—they need compassion.

• Guard our words. Refuse gossip. Resist speculation. Allow space for truth and healing to surface in God’s time.

• Offer practical help. Meals, childcare, financial aid, and steady friendship are powerful acts of love.

• Pray faithfully. Lift up the brokenhearted when they cannot lift themselves.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Healing after murder, suicide, or reckless loss of life is not quick. Survivors wrestle with guilt, anger, abandonment, and unrelenting grief. Children especially may silently carry the weight of questions they cannot voice.

• Encourage professional and pastoral care—healing often requires both.

• Create safe spaces for grief. Give permission to cry, to question, and to lament before God.

• Remind them of their worth. The tragedy does not define their identity—Christ does.

• Build rituals of remembrance. Writing letters, lighting candles, or sharing stories can bring peace.

• Allow time. Trauma healing cannot be rushed. Give people space to process without pressure.

Suicide often gives warning signs:

• Expressions of hopelessness or feeling like a burden

• Withdrawal from relationships and activities

• Sudden mood shifts—either sinking despair or an eerie calm

• Giving away possessions or speaking of “final” arrangements

When we notice these signs, we must act. Ask gently but directly: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Offer to connect them with professional help, a pastor, or a crisis line. Do not dismiss their pain. Showing someone that they are seen and valued can make the difference between life and death.

A weekend on the lake should never have ended in tragedy. But even in the shadow of despair and senseless loss, God’s light still shines. He is the One who turns mourning into dancing, who gives beauty for ashes, and who promises a day when death and sorrow will be no more.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Our role, as His people, is to stand with the broken, to speak life where death has shouted, and to remind our hurting world that there is hope in Christ.

Because even when joy turns suddenly into tragedy, even when the monster of despair breaks loose, His promise remains: light still overcomes darkness.

Resources for Hope and Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. Help is available—right now.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 (24/7, confidential, free)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor

• Pastoral and Faith-Based Support: Reach out to your local church, pastor, or Christian counselor who can pray with you and walk alongside you https://www.loveled.org

• For children and teens: The 988 Lifeline also connects to youth-specific crisis counselors trained to respond with understanding

Above all, remember: God sees you. He loves you. Your life has purpose and worth beyond what you can imagine.

Out of Control .........

 

The recent apocalyptic events in Southern California have shaken many of us. Whether you’ve experienced it personally, know a family member, or have a dear friend impacted, the effects ripple through our lives. It’s a sobering reminder that there are events we cannot control. Yet, the temptation to fret and worry can easily consume us, even when there is nothing we can do to change the outcome. Watching the endless news reports often stirs up a whirlwind of emotions—our stomachs churn, our hearts race, and our minds refuse to stop replaying the events. These are all natural reactions because God created us with an ability to sense and respond to trouble in our world.

This awareness is not necessarily a bad thing. God designed us to care for others in their struggles and to recognize when danger is present. It can also be an invitation to turn to Him as our refuge in times of trouble. However, when we allow anxiety to overtake us, it often shifts from being helpful to harmful. Anxiety can act like a warning light on the dashboard of a train—blinking red to alert us that there’s danger nearby, whether in our external world or within our hearts. But when we ignore the warning signs, that light can escalate into a blaring horn. Suddenly, our hearts race faster, our emotions spiral, and our physical bodies respond with unpleasant symptoms that signal we are heading toward a crash.

Anxiety, like all emotions, has the potential to take control if we let it. It can grow out of proportion, fed by either real trouble or imagined scenarios we’ve created in our minds. In these moments, it can feel like the train of our lives is careening downhill with no brakes, gaining speed as we lose control. How we respond to these situations is deeply revealing—it shows us what we have placed at the center of our hearts. Is it fear? Worry? Or is it trust in God?

Whatever we organize our lives around—our worries, desires, or fears—often becomes the fuel driving the train. If we’re not careful, we can forget who the true conductor is. The good news is that God is always in control, even when our lives feel chaotic. Psalm 94:19 speaks to this truth: “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Even when our inner thoughts are racing and out of control, God’s comfort is available to bring us peace.

We must remind ourselves that God is not only the Creator of the universe but also the One who holds our lives in His hands. He knows every obstacle ahead, every twist and turn in the journey. And here’s the key: God has no intention of hopping off the train. He is with us through every dark tunnel, every broken rail, and even through the fires that seem impossible to endure. His promise is to strengthen, comfort, and guide us through it all. But we must choose to surrender control to Him instead of relying on our own limited understanding.

When we face life’s inevitable challenges, we must rely on God’s Word as our operational guide. Here are some truths to hold onto:

1. Bring your troubles to God: Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When anxiety begins to take hold, don’t try to bear it alone. Take your concerns to God in prayer. Be honest with Him about your struggles and thank Him for His faithfulness. When you do, His peace will guard your heart and mind, even in the middle of chaos.
2. Focus on what is true: When our minds are consumed with worry, we need to redirect our thoughts to God’s truth. Philippians 4:8 teaches us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” God calls us to park our minds on the things that reflect His goodness and character, rather than allowing fear or negativity to take the lead.
3. Handle the problem God’s way: Philippians 4:9 says, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” God has provided us with wisdom and examples through His Word. When we follow His principles and trust in His ways, we’ll experience His peace, even in the midst of life’s storms.
4. Trust God and His timing: Finally, Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match our expectations. Trusting in His strength allows us to face even the most difficult circumstances with courage and hope.

Life will undoubtedly bring moments of trouble. There will be times when the train must pass through fallen trees, dark tunnels, and fiery trials. But we can rest in the promise that God is always with us. He sees the rail ahead and has already planned a way through. Rather than letting fear take control of the train, let’s place our faith in the One who has never failed us. When we trust Him to guide us, we’ll discover His peace, comfort, and strength—no matter what lies ahead.