On a cold December night a few years ago, I made myself a cup of hot chocolate and grabbed my favorite blanket. The news had reported perfect viewing conditions for a meteor shower, and for whatever reason, I didn’t want to miss this one.
We live on the edge of a small town in NW Oklahoma, and I felt like I was the only one awake for miles. The night was quiet and still. Nothing moved – not even the wind. It was as if the world was holding its breath for whatever was about to happen next.
I sat curled up on my back porch chair – the warmth slowly slipping from me and my cup – and I waited.
It wasn’t long before the sky was filled with flashes of light… Tiny points of wonder in the distance that were gone as fast as they had arrived.
And as I watched, I felt small. I thought about the God who created everything so perfectly that even the paths of the “shooting stars” are ordered. With each streak across the sky, I realized my finiteness in the enormity of space.
But I wasn’t afraid.
The next morning, the news told a different story.
A man had walked into an elementary school many miles from my quiet backyard and began taking lives. Images of terrified teachers and students – images of weeping parents – images of fear filled the screen, and again I felt small.
But as I tried to wrap my mind around the words coming from my TV, I chose to remember the same great and powerful God that I had praised the night before.
I didn’t question how God could allow something so terrible to happen. I didn’t ask him where He was or why He didn’t prevent it.
I thought about the perfect God who reigns over a very imperfect world. I thought about the King of eternity who paid the price for our eternal salvation, yet eagerly awaits the day when He will come with final victory and there will be an end to all suffering.
I chose to remember that time is limited for heartache and evil to prevail, and I chose to stand on the promise that one day the King will return to once and for all reign over a world full of His peace and presence.
It seems like the news is full of sadness. It seems like the lives of many of those around me are impacted by tragic loss.
But in the middle of suffering – there is a God of peace and love who mourns with you.
In the middle of chaos and pain – the God of comfort and hope reminds us again of His coming victory.
The goodness of God cannot be diminished by the brokenness of the world.
I don’t know what you’re facing today. I don’t know what heartache has come into your life in the last few years or even days, but I know that God is still good.
Today, I write to remind you who may have forgotten – who need someone to have faith for you – for you who need someone to say it when you just can’t….
God didn’t abandon you. He won’t ever leave you. He is present with you at this moment. His love surrounds you. His peace longs to fill your soul. The truth of who you knew Him to be hasn’t changed because of what you are going through. He is still faithful. He is still great. He is still worthy of praise.
Lord, be real in the hearts of those who read these words. Let your presence bring comfort. Let your love bring peace. Let your Spirit remind them of your goodness – so that praise can become their weapon against grief. I pray for the brokenhearted today, God, and I ask that you would bring healing and hope. You are faithful, and we will remember your promises today. In Jesus’ name.
