My sister, who lives near Boston, sent me a text message this afternoon: ”We’re all ok…” Thank God.
However, I know that others received unimaginably painful messages from Boylston Street today. Brokenhearted, I pray for all who suffered loss and for those who are fighting for life and limb.
Some dots defy connection to God. What possible association could a loving, righteous, just and merciful God have had with a violent act of terrorism? In my mind, none. Evil is the antithesis of God; sin’s darkness to God’s light.
Yet, we live in a dark world illuminated only by the goodness of God.
God rarely gives us logical explanations when we face confusion, pain and sorrow. Instead, he gives us himself. When Moses questioned the wisdom of demanding that Pharoah let God’s people go, God said, “I will be with you.” God told his people through the prophet Isaiah, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” Jesus, God himself incarnate, was the physical expression of “God with us.” When Jesus grieved over the grave of his friend Lazarus, he said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” We have his promise that, “…surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I have to admit that sometimes I would rather have answers. Today is one of those times. Today, I have questions. Today, I have the promise of the loving and sufficient presence of God.
Somehow His presence is the answer to all of our questions and comfort for all of our sorrow.
How do you handle your questions for God? Does the presence of God comfort you?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Photo courtesy of Community Bible Study’s facebook page.
