God protects and is in control when you are in a world of pain. He loves you more than you imagine.

God protects. He is good. He is in control. Even in a world where tornadoes crush families, where misguided pilots zoom planes into skyscrapers, where twisted people hurt little girls, God protects.

Do you believe this?

I hope so. If you don’t, I understand.

In the weeks and months after my mom’s fatal heart attack, I railed against this God I love, the one who took away my best friend. And in my grief, I said to him, “If you cannot handle my anger, then you are not God because my God is mighty and strong and spoke the universe into existence.”

I knew God could handle my pain. Because, well, he’s God. . .

all-powerful

all-knowing

all-wise

all-loving.

This triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) held me together in black nights and blacker days.

And he loved me to light.

Finding Comfort

These Spirit-breathed words, these verses, crept into my heart then and now, and warmed me, a blanket of solace, of truth.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go to the heavens, you are there;

If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light will become night around me,”

Even the darkness will not be dark to you;

The night will shine like the day,

For darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12, NIV)

Yes, God allows bad things to happen. Yes, he is present. Yes, he sees and he cares. I choose to believe him. How about you? What challenge do you face? Do you still believe?

Question: When troubled by circumstances, which scripture comforts you? Please share a comment and encourage others. Thank you.

With Joy Overflowing!