Where is God’s Goodness When Memphis Feels Shattered?

Tier 1 The Grieving/Hurting

God’s goodness doesn’t disappear when life feels shattered—it shows up as His near presence. In Memphis, He comforts the brokenhearted through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the strength of a healthy church family. We don’t deny the pain; we bring it to Jesus, trusting Him to restore what’s been broken.

Memphis is a city that knows how to sing the blues, but lately, it feels like we’ve been living them a little too closely. From the grit of our downtown streets to the quiet suburbs of Cordova and Bartlett, there’s a collective feeling that things are, well, shattered. Whether it’s a personal loss that has left your heart in pieces or the weight of a city grappling with its own brokenness, the question remains: Where is God in all this?

If you’ve ever sat in your car on the I-40 bridge, staring at the Mississippi River and wondering if God has forgotten the 901, you aren’t alone. We’ve all been there. We’ve all had those moments where the life we built seems to have splintered into a thousand jagged edges. But here’s the thing about a Pentecostal lighthouse: we believe the light shines brightest in the dark.

WHY this matters to us at First Assembly Memphis: we exist to help people find their way back to the heart of God—especially when life feels confusing, heavy, or broken.

We believe that no matter how shattered your life feels, God is a Master Restorer.

The Theology of the Shattered

It’s easy to talk about God’s goodness when the sun is out and the Tigers are winning. It’s a whole different story when you’re standing in the wreckage of a “shattered” life. We have to acknowledge that following Jesus doesn’t give us an “escape room” pass from pain.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 34:18 that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Notice it doesn’t say He prevents the breaking; it says He is close to it. In the Assemblies of God tradition, we hold fast to the 16 Fundamental Truths—including that humanity fell into sin and the results of that brokenness touch every part of life. This means that while we live in a “shattered” world, we serve a God who isn’t intimidated by the pieces.

When we feel shattered, our first instinct is often to hide the mess. We put on our “Sunday best” and pretend everything is fine. But God doesn’t want your “fine”; He wants your “shattered.” He is the Potter mentioned in Jeremiah 18. He doesn’t throw the clay away because it’s marred; He works it, molds it, and makes it into something new.

Finding God in the 901

So, where do we actually find this goodness in Memphis, Cordova, or Shelby County? It isn’t always in the big, miraculous moments (though we believe in those, too!). Often, God’s goodness shows up in the “boots on the ground” reality of our community.

God’s goodness is found in the resilience of people in the 901. It’s found when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start letting the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.

As a Pentecostal community, we believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as a real gift for believers (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4)—and that the Spirit also comforts, strengthens, and helps us endure. When your world is shattered, the Holy Spirit is the Parakletos, the One called alongside to help.

Picking Up the Pieces Through Community

You weren't meant to carry the shards of a broken life by yourself. One of the primary ways God displays His goodness is through the local church. At First Assembly Memphis, we’ve created spaces designed to help you navigate the “shattered” seasons.

The Journey If you’re feeling lost, “The Journey” is our way of helping you find your footing. It’s not just a class; it’s a pathway to understanding who you are in Christ and how your unique story, broken pieces and all, fits into God’s larger plan. You can learn more about how to get started at www.famemphis.net/connect.

Life Groups Life is better in circles than in rows. When your life feels shattered, you need a Life Group. These are the people who will bring you a meal when you’re grieving, pray with you when you’re anxious, and remind you of God’s promises when you’ve forgotten them. It’s in these small groups across Shelby County where “church” becomes “family.”

Wednesday Night Dinners Sometimes, God’s goodness looks a lot like a hot meal and a friendly face. Our Wednesday night dinners are a staple here. There’s something healing about breaking bread with others before heading into our mid-week services. It’s a chance to exhale, shake off the stress of the work week, and remember that you belong. You can even check out the menu ahead of time at www.famemphis.net/wednesday-menu.

The Pentecostal Perspective on Hope

We are a people of hope. Not a “cross-your-fingers” kind of hope, but a “Blessed Assurance” kind of hope. Our doctrine emphasizes the Return of Christ—the “Blessed Hope.” This means we know that the shattering isn’t the end of the story.

We believe in divine healing, and while that often refers to the body, it also includes the healing of the heart and mind as God restores us. God’s goodness is His commitment to make you whole in Christ. He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28), even the things that currently feel like they are tearing you apart.

If you are in Memphis and you feel like the pieces of your life just won't fit back together, I want to encourage you: stop trying to glue them yourself. Bring the pieces to Jesus in prayer. Whether it’s during a Sunday service or a quiet moment of prayer at www.famemphis.net/prayer, give God the mess.

FAQ: Faith and Suffering in the 901

Why does God allow bad things to happen in Memphis? While we don't always have the "why" for every tragedy, we know that we live in a fallen world. However, God promises to be with us in the midst of the pain and eventually wipe away every tear. He uses even the hardest seasons to build character and draw us closer to Him.

How can I find peace when my life feels out of control? Peace isn't the absence of trouble; it's the presence of God. Through prayer, spending time in Scripture, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, you can experience a "peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).

What if I don't feel "holy" enough to come to church? First Assembly Memphis is a hospital for the broken, not a museum for the perfect. We are all works in progress. Whether you are dealing with grief, addiction, or just a bad week, you are welcome here.

How do I get involved with others who understand what I'm going through? Joining a Life Group or attending "The Journey" are the best ways to connect with people who can walk alongside you. You can find more information on our website at www.famemphis.net.

A Final Thought for the Shattered Heart

Memphis is a city of resurrection. We’ve seen it in our history, and we see it in our people. If you feel shattered today, know that the story isn't over. The same God who breathed life into the dust is ready to breathe life into your situation.

You are priceless. You are a child of God. And in this house, you are family. Let’s pick up the pieces together.

Daily Quest: Alignment Task Take 10 minutes today to sit in silence. Don't ask God for anything; just acknowledge the "shattered" parts of your day to Him. Read Psalm 147:3 ("He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds") and ask the Holy Spirit to be your Comforter today.

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Want to go deeper? If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, we would love to welcome you in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.net

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We are here for you.