2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 19-22 GW; Hebrews 4 GW
God rules with kindness.
Natural disasters, illness, and death of loved ones, job loss, broken relationships all make one wonder about God’s kindness. How can a loving God allow such painful things to happen in life? Maybe C.S. Lewis’s thoughts on pain provide an answer:
“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
In our pain, people do one of two things: turn to or from God. During times of plenty, we don’t give God credit for what we have. But when things go wrong, God gets all the accolades. In reality, Jesus told us we would have strife in this world:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
Life is tough.
Anyone who says God promised a rose garden is lying. No, where in scripture do you find that promise. But you do see people enduring all types of hardships, God their strength in the storm. David’s psalms are a collection of praises and laments. As one friend said, David seems bipolar; one moment, he’s on the mountain top, the next in the valley. But David’s constant is God, who never changes.
God doesn’t have highs and lows; He is constant. Leading with grace, He is consistent in His love and adoration for you and me. If God didn’t cherish us, Jesus wouldn’t have come. But because God values us so much, He sent Jesus to create a way for us to connect with Him.
If we don’t turn to God, we won’t receive. Allow the pain you’re experiencing to draw you towards God, not away from Him. Listen to the megaphone. Pour your heart out to Him, tell God how you are hurting. Let Him into the deep crevices of your soul. Receive God’s mercy and kindness as you give Him your hurts.
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Lord, thank You for Your consistency in our lives. Forgive us for the times we turn from You. Help us listen to You in our pain. As we move through the storms of life, keep us afloat. Send us help when we need it; let us bless others when they do. In all things, the glory is Yours. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
Where are you turning in your times of distress?
