“And now, God, do it again – bring rains to our drought-stricken lives so those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest.” Psalm 126.4,5
I sit here in tears, wondering aloud to God about yet another large human tragedy, fighting a growing sense of fear about my own travels, and missing my family. When the day dawns, I fight my fears in catching up on the news, pausing to pray that any delay on my part will not ripple into eternal consequences. Yesterday I few in blissful safety, fighting the pain of sinusitis but otherwise experiencing the day with confidence and hope. Today I struggle to hold on more tightly to God, wanting each day to be as Spirit led and God filled as possible.
Where are the answers for our pain? Where is the justice when innocent people die early deaths? Why do we search for answers to questions where we most likely will not accept them anyway?
There is only one answer to our pain, resting in the arms and presence of an unconditional loving and grace filled God. Anything else is conditional. Everything else has failed at least on one occasion. There is a single, proven response to our pain – love, grace, and acceptance from God. However, we do not always like this answer.
Innocent people die. Innocent people fight terminal illness and lose the battle. These are facts we cannot dispute. Ironically, I cannot find any scripture that suggests the God of love, grace, and acceptance will deal with this injustice now. Later, yes, now, no. God says bluntly that bad things happen to people who deserve it. God also says that good things come to those who do not deserve it. Everyone stands the same in this life.
We search for answers because we want someone in control. We desperately want some kind of accountability. God does not promise material protection, rather a relationship that, in time, will bring peace, love, and prosperity to all that chose Him.
Life brings pain. God gives hope.
