Is there any meaning in tragedy?

from the old testament

• Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), most human suffering has been caused by sin—whether directly as the result of someone’s sin or indirectly as the result of the general entrance of sin into the world which has caused it to be broken.
• Crimes such as murder and rape are the fault of the criminal disobeying the moral law of God (Genesis 9:5; Exodus 20:13; see also Romans 1:18–21).
• While God is perfectly capable of stopping tragedies before they begin, sometimes He chooses not to. We may not understand why God allows tragedy, but we can have confidence in His goodness and trust Him (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• God has sovereign control over all things, but it is important to remember that while God is not the source of sin, He may be the source of certain tragedies. The prophet Amos told the Israelites of the word spoken against them: "Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it?" (Amos 3:6) God used disaster to distress the Israelites who had turned from Him to follow idols. When God does cause disaster to fall, He does so for His own purposes. Even though we may not know why, we know that He is perfect, just, and holy, and so is His will.
• The story of Job reveals that suffering can deepen our trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom (Job 1:21-22). Job’s perseverance through loss highlights that God’s purposes often transcend human understanding, yet He remains just and compassionate (Job 38:1-4; Job 42:1-6). Ultimately, Job’s restoration shows that God redeems suffering for His glory and our good, offering hope in the midst of trials (Job 42:10-12).
• The Psalms emphasize that God is our refuge and strength, even in the midst of overwhelming trials (Psalm 46:1-3). They show us that lament is a form of worship, as we pour out our pain to God and trust in His steadfast love (Psalm 13:1-6). The Psalms also remind us that God will ultimately turn mourning into joy, offering hope and restoration (Psalm 30:5, 11-12)
• God is our comfort in tragedy (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 41:10).

from the new testament

• Romans 8:22–23 tells us that "the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Tragedies remind us of the reality that we live in a fallen world stricken with death (Genesis 3). In tragedy, we see the magnitude of the world’s need for rescue and the stunning beauty of the gospel. Tragedy also causes us to hope for a better life in the future and to rejoice that ultimately death has been defeated, even though we still live with its effects (1 Corinthians 15:50–58). Tragedy can cause us to look toward the day when we, and the whole world, will be made whole and perfect again at the second coming of the Lord Jesus. Tragedy can be a visceral reminder of the fall as well as God’s rescue and His promised restoration.
• God knows when a sparrow falls, and He knows when we face tragedy and why (Matthew 10:29–31).
• God assured us that we would face trouble in this world (John 16:33) and that He has experienced our struggles personally (Hebrews 2:14–18; 4:15). He also assures us that He has overcome and that He is with us in our pain (Romans 8:26–39; Hebrews 4:16; 12:1–2; 1 Peter 5:6–10).
• Tragedy increases our desire for heaven and keeps our eyes focused on the Savior (Romans 8:18; Titus 2:13).
• Tragedy causes us to turn to God, who is our comfort in times of difficulty or tragedy (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
• Sometimes tragedy comes because of spiritual warfare. Suffering is part of the cosmic battle between good and evil, ultimately revealing God's ultimate sovereignty and purpose in allowing trials (Ephesians 6:12; Romans 8:28). Knowing this provides believers with hope and strength, assuring them that God is actively working through their hardships to refine their faith and bring about redemption (James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 12:10).

implications for today

Life on this earth includes tragedy and heartache because of the reality that death and devastation is the result of sin (Romans 6:23). This world is fallen and broken, and tragedy is a reminder of that (Genesis 3). But for those of us who know Christ, tragedy can be a reminder of the stunning reality of the gospel. When we see just how desperate the world is, we better understand how astounding it is that God the Son took on human flesh, dwelt among us, paid the price for sin, and has overcome death (John 1:14; 3:16–18; 1 Corinthians 15:50–58). Tragedy has a way of knitting our hearts to God’s as we grieve the reality of brokenness (Ezekeil 18:23; John 11:35) and our longing for fullness of life in Christ (John 10:10) and final restoration (Revelation 21:1–5) increase. When those around us experience tragedy, we can be tangible reminders of the love of Christ as we share His comfort with them (John 13:34–35; Romans 12:15; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4). The suffering we experience in this world does two other beneficial things. It drives us to our knees in prayer as we seek God's help and comfort, and it develops our patience and dependence on Him (James 1:2–4; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7).

We may not always see meaning in a specific tragedy, and it may even be difficult for us to put our eyes on God and experience hope. We can come to Him with these honest emotions, as the Psalms so beautifully demonstrate. We can also turn to the Bible to be reminded of the truth of God’s character and nature (Hebrews 12:1–2; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). The family of Christ is crucial in helping us through tragedy as well; so invite community to share your burdens (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:1–10; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:19–25; James 5:13–20).

Tragic events remind us not only that we live in an imperfect and fallen world, but that there is a good God who is in control and loves us and offers something better than the world has to offer. He offers eternal life in a perfect environment where there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4). He offers true satisfaction that lasts for eternity and impacts everything we go through. Seeing the brokenness of this world shows us that this is not how the world was meant to be. God is good, and what He made was good. But following our own way, sin, brings death and devastation. Still, death will be vanquished one day (Revelation 20:6, 14). One day, we will be face to face with the Lamb of God who loved us and sacrificed Himself so that all who believe in Him will enjoy His presence in heaven for eternity (Revelation 21:3). Until that day, we look to our good God to make sense of tragedy, knowing that He also grieves and is right there with us. The brokenness of this world must lead us to God who alone is good, and who is bigger and stronger than the darkness. He is the only One who can redeem, restore, and bring lasting hope even in the midst of tragedy.