7 Simple Ways to Cling to Hope in the Wake of Tragedy

Published: September 11, 2025

woman in gray shirt covering her face with her hair

By Jessilyn Lancaster

The grief hangs heavy in the air today. Rage, shock, confusion, sadness, disbelief–they all seem to be clawing at the edges of our heart as we attempt to process the multitude of injustices that have occurred just this week.

From school shootings to protests in Nepal to Charlie Kirk’s assassination to the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, how are we supposed to navigate our emotions when the world seems so overwhelming? How do we explain to our children how to find the light in the darkness? What do we say when words don’t seem adequate to convey the depth of emotions we’re experiencing?

As Christians, we believe the Lord is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18). This doesn’t mean we stuff our feelings and just pretend we’re alright. Far from it. God welcomes our burdens and our sorrows, for how can He can give beauty when there are no ashes? Will you allow Him to comfort you today? Will you place your trust in His Divine mercy and justice? If so, there is hope. These are seven simple ways we can find hope today.

1. Hug someone: Per Psychology Today, hugging someone releases oxytocin, allowing your brain to experience those precious nuggets of peace. To reap the benefits, “Try a H.U.G.: Hold on tight, Until you relax, and Grow your bond.”

2. Attend a prayer service: Religion Unplugged reports that churches act as “wellbeing workhorses” that are “multiplying health and happiness,” “enriching lives and preventing illness and suffering before it has a chance to take root.” Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a church, attending a prayer service or vigil will allow you to experience community with people who are grappling with the similar issues and provide a sense of belonging.

3. Write it out: By journaling your thoughts and feelings, you give your brain a chance to process without fear of judgment. The Child Mind Insitute cited the Emotional Disclosure Theory by James Pennebaker, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, for the benefits of journaling. The theory posits that, “Writing about emotional experiences helps process traumatic events by organizing chaotic thoughts and releasing pent-up emotions. This can lead to improved mental clarity and resilience.”

4. Worship: Whether you sing or play an instrument or just turn on your favorite song through your smart device, worship can bring great comfort to your heart. Neuroscientist and musician Daniel J. Levitin discussed it in his book, “I Heard There Was A Secret Chord: Music as Medicine.” Levitan wrote, “ My lab was the first to show that opioids are released in the brain when you listen to music you like — natural analgesics, just like the pills we take,” Levitin says. “We now know that music boosts the immune system, particularly immunoglobulin A levels. And so listening to music you like can be a way of embracing preventative medicine.”

5. Read the Psalms: David is the king (pun not intended) of writing about his full range of emotions. Rejoicing over something? There’s a Psalm for that. Being hunted by your best friend’s dad? There’s a Psalm for that? Depressed because you had a prophet tell you you’d become king but you’re currently hiding in a cave and considering joining forces with your enemy? You guessed it, there’s a Psalm for that. David’s writing shows us that the children of God are not immune to heartache. Psalm 42 reads: “Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.“O God my rock,” I cry, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief,moppressed by my enemies?” Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!”

6. Get off social media … like right now: We’ve told you time and again how social media algorithms prioritize violence. If you feel like you’re emotionally suffocating right now, online is the last place you need to be. Your feed will be full of people’s opinions that will only push you further into heaviness and confusion. Maybe the break is for an evening or 24 hours. Maybe you abstain for the next week or even the next month. Whatever timeframe you choose, taking time offline is proven to boost your emotional well-being.

7. Pray: So many pundits and wannabe commentators right now are saying something along the lines of “Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” but those people don’t understand the power of prayer. Take time today to sit before the Lord. Pour out your heart. Cry. Listen. You are not alone, and a set time of prayer will allow God to come minister to you.

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