Unspeakable Hurt

17 people dead, shot, murdered in a high school on Valentine’s Day in Florida, add that to the many other evils that hurt and destroy the lives of people in our country and around the world. Besides the unspeakable grief with which it shrouds the family members and friends of the victims, it places all caring Americans in the grip of sorrow, and guilt, and confusion, about why such things happen. Those answers, if there are any, will come on investigation, but what can be said to those who carry the hurt and sorrow, at least from the spiritual side of the questions? Here, edited, is a Christian Devotional reading expressing where God is in relation to the tragedy of the individuals left behind, mourning, and hurting. It appears in the devotional book, A Year in the Life: Ministry and Memories ©2017.

March 29

He Will Carry You

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.         Isaiah 63:9

There are so many people who face grave dangers and difficulties in their lives;  their children shot to death at school, toddlers afflicted with dread diseases, persecution for their faith that puts their life and liberty at risk, drunken spouses, desperate poverty, or personal mental illness; just a few among many of the tragedies of life that can break the will, and break a heart, and break a faith. Where is God for these people? Why do they suffer all alone in their dreadful circumstances?

The prophet Isaiah tells us that when Israel, God’s people, was under affliction that He was afflicted with them. He loved them while they were stricken and suffering. He brought them back to Himself and carried them. He carried them all the days of old. He carried them through it all. No matter what they faced He was there with them, and if they desired it, for them.

When people ask “Why? Why me? Why my child? Why my family? Why my emotions? Why my country? Why my church?” Or any of the many “Why?” questions that come up during a season of suffering, the only answer is God knows. Not much comfort humanly speaking, yet there is comfort in knowing that God knows and cares. God is with you in your affliction. He feels for you, His child, He is carrying you. Hug his neck like a toddler in the dark hugs her daddy. God will carry you as long as it takes.

Prayer: You are with us in the furnace, Lord. Help us walk through the fire knowing we are in Your care, and be comforted. In the name of Jesus who suffered for us. Amen.