God’s Still Here

The last few days every news media outlet has focused all their attention on the Connecticut school shooting; as they should. Mass killings are newsworthy. We’re hearing repeated arguments for gun control and outcries for better screening for mental illness. Whenever these senseless crimes occur (and they seem to be occurring with alarming regularity), everyone is looking to assign blame.

Once they blame game is bandied about and endlessly discussed, the second most-asked questions seem to be, “Where was God? Why didn’t He prevent this tragedy?”

The urge to climb atop our soapbox and point fingers at those that have forced God out of the classrooms and government offices is tempting, but not necessarily an argument that will offer healing to hurting families.

We know God hasn’t gone anywhere and we know that He grieves for each life lost last week. God weeps with those parents who are suffering as He knows first-hand the agony of watching His only son suffer and die.

In the aftermath of this horrible tragedy, we as believers should be offering hope rather than speeches and platitudes. We could debate theology and free-will and good versus evil until we’re blue in the face, but who does that help?

When we see those around us suffering and confused by the evil influences of the world, we should lend a listening ear and do our best to offer hope; maybe a hug or just our compassion and tears. None of us have all the answers to life’s tough dilemmas. As children of the Most High God, we should be pointing people towards the One who answers many of life’s tough questions in His Holy Word.

It’s likely no accident that the enemy’s timing of this tragedy was meant to coincide with the approaching Christmas holiday. The enemy thinks he has won a key battle to draw attention away from the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ next week.

We don’t want to forget or make light of the suffering of others, but rather present ourselves as ambassadors of compassion and a beacon of hope to those that are greiving. We need to be a light to draw others to the One who heals the broken-hearted; the One who saves the lost; the One who loves the lonely and the One who forgives those who commit unspeakable crimes.

We celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus because He was born to be our Savior. God hasn’t gone anywhere and He is still worthy of our praise. Joy to the world! The Lord is come: let earth receive her King!

Blessings in Christ for a blessed Christmas,
Kathy K.