There have been a lot of tragedies this year. From hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and school shootings and murder of a prominent figure.
With all these tragedies it would be easy to ask where God is in all of this.
If God exists why do these things happen? It is easy to forget that we live in a fallen world because of our sin and that many of these tragedies are the result of the choices that people made.
Where is God? He is right here with us. God says in Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus promises that He will be with us always in Matthew 28:20, and in John 14:17 He promises us another Counselor (the Holy Spirit) who will be with us and in us.
No matter what we face, God is right here. Amid all the devastation around us, He is still making flowers bloom, creating sunrises and sunsets, giving us air to breath and food to eat. He is still offering us eternal life in Him. He still loves us, and He promises us that, in Him, we will have life to the fullest.
As we head into this holiday season, prepare your heart to give thanks to God for all that He is doing. Look for reasons to praise Him. As you celebrate with family and friends, remember the Savior that has provided all this for us. Praise God for all He has done. Thank Him for your life and for His Son.
Then, as we move past Thanksgiving to Christmas, realize that the greatest gift that has ever been given was Jesus. He came to save you, and He is still alive and offering His love to you today. As you look at the pretty lights, remember the light of the world born in a manger on Christmas day. As you give and receive gifts, remember the gifts of the wise men and the even Greater gift of Jesus. As you look on the evergreen Christmas trees, remember the eternal life that we are offered in Christ. Let the love that surrounds this season wash away the fear, sadness, bitterness and anger from the terrible tragedies that we have experienced.
Let the hate fade and be replaced by empathy, caring, and generosity of spirit. Remember that God is here. He never left and He never will. He loves you and will always take care of you until He takes you home. If you don’t know Him then simply pray with all your heart and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He will, though not always in the way you expect.
He is faithful always, so place your trust in Him. There is no better time.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas.
