Those Things We Don't Understand

I just finished watching tonight’s Dateline coverage of the senseless shooting in Aurora, Colorado. James Holmes will join an infamous list of murderers who have committed senseless and incomprehensible crimes against humanity. In the coming days we’re going to hear, “Is there something someone could have done to stop this?” Or perhaps gun enthusiasts will say “If concealed weapons were legal, then the shooter would have been stopped much sooner.” Or the other side will blame the atrocity on the freedom to own guns. Surely, someone will blame the theater or the local police, or…it can go on and on.

Grief, desperation and blame are going to be common emotions after such a tragedy as this. It is a common expression of sorrow to look for someone to blame. Unfortunately, some people will blame God. I have already read such words of anger on several websites. Today I was asked this question, "Why did God allow such a terrible thing to happen?" I’m not sure my answer satisfied his sorrow, but I do know my answer is correct.

Here is what I said. “Over three thousand years ago, there was a man named Job who struggled with the same question. He asked why. He was a good man, and yet disaster struck him suddenly. He lost seven sons and three daughters. He lost all his possessions. He lost his health. Even his friends turned against him. His wife suggested that he, ‘Curse God and die.’ In the midst of his suffering he asked God why he was ever born. I want to tell you that God understands those feelings.”

Further, I said, “I have to confess that I never fully understand, even for my own satisfaction. I have to accept by faith that God is a God of love and mercy even in suffering. Times like this will do one of two things: either make us hard and bitter and angry at God, or make us tender and open and help us to reach out in trust and faith.”

My prayer today is that you will not let bitterness and poison creep into your soul, but that you will turn in faith and trust to God even if we cannot understand. It is better to face something like this with God than without him.