Last night the news covered the loss of a 3-year-old little girl. I am sickened by the murder of this young child. We live in a broken world. Finding comfort during this time will be difficult. We want to blame someone; we want justice and we want to repay evil.
Before you allow your mind to go there, allow me to remind you of Romans 12:17-21 referencing Deuteronomy 32:35, Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
I posted a song to my Facebook page that I woke up thinking about, “Why God” by Austin French. I fell in love with the song the first time I heard it. The first verse is “Why God, Do people have to die? A daughter or a son, Sudden and so young, Long before their time.” This is what we are all thinking when we first heard the news that someone took this little girl. “Why God?” I struggle like everyone else to understand the loss of children. Whether to cancer, accidents, suicide, or murder. I do not understand, and I do not have answers to help others understand.
But I have a faith that is great. I have a God whom I know has the answers. When something tragic like this happens, it is easy to doubt there is a God. But this is when you need God and you need scripture to pour into the emptiness that loss brings. Our world is so broken, so full of sin that we get lost in it without hope. However, God is with us. I have no doubt that the arms of the Savior were full of a precious child taken so early. The picture of this brings comfort.
Proverbs 3:5 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” We cannot understand the why’s of this loss. That is when faith steps in and the reliance on a God who understands handles all the gaps this loss (and any loss) brings. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” In all circumstances we are to rejoice, pray and give thanks. So that is what I am going to do today. I’m going to start a prayer …
Lord, I give thanks for your presence today. I acknowledge there is some serious evil in this world, but, Lord, please do not allow me to focus only on that. Help me to find comfort in your presence. Please surround the loved ones of this little girl. Forgiveness might not be available today, but I pray that you help them find it. Lord, we are grieving, shocked and dumbfounded by this. Strengthen us. Oh Lord….
