Reaffirming Faith
In The Midst Of Tragedy

Psalm 173

Why?

Why do tragedies happen? Why do good people get diseases, have accidents, and experience loss? You’ve asked those questions, haven’t you? Well, you are not alone.

Asaph looks around and sees tragedy. People hurting. Good people. What’s worse, he sees the wicked all around him seemingly spared from loss and pain. He sees them prospering in spite of their wickedness.

Asaph struggles with what he sees. He is close to the edge. His feet are slipping. Does God even realize what is going on? He even speaks the unspeakable — Is it worth it to live for God when I experience all this trouble? What difference does it make?

Something happens. Asaph goes into God’s sanctuary. He gains perspective in the presence of the Almighty.

In the midst of tragedy, we need to reaffirm our faith —

We believe God will not give us more than we can bear and will provide a way of escape when we are tempted (1Corinthians 10:13).

We believe God can use trials to help us grow to be mature (James 1:2-4).

We believe God refines our faith during trials (1 Peter 1:7).

We believeGod provides comfort in time of trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-11).

We believe God can work in the worst of circumstances to bring about good in our lives (Romans 8:28).

A little time with God did Asaph some good. He still did not understand,“Why?” but he remembered some truths about God. He belonged to God. God guided him with His counsel. God was the strength of his heart. God is more important than anything on the earth. There’s nothing like being close to God and allowing Him to be your shelter.

A little time with God will do us good, too.

Knowing God is better than knowing the answer to the question, “Why?”

— Bob Clark

6/19/2002