Already There - deep grief can render its victims bereft of reason — drowning in an all-consuming sea of pain that they feel powerless to escape. They thrash about throwing out accusations like daggers

Where is God when a tornado rips apart neighborhoods? 

Where is He when parents bury a tiny baby who lived only hours? 

Where is He when vows are broken and lives shattered?

The answer is this: He is near.

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"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed" - (Psalm 34:18).

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Most believers aren’t comfortable when someone going through a hard time accuses God of not caring, not acting, or not even being there. 

Deep grief can render its victims bereft of reason — drowning in an all-consuming sea of pain that they feel powerless to escape. 

They thrash about throwing out accusations like daggers, wounding and driving away the very ones who want to bring comfort. 

But there is One who isn’t driven away by hard questions.

When you face the question of where God is in a tragic situation, answer,“He’s already there,” and gently point people to David’s words in Psalm 34:18.

Challenge for Today: Instead of avoiding the hurting, go to them with open arms and a compassionate heart.

Quicklook: Psalm 34:11–22

 READ PSALM 34:1–22; 56:1–13

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Related Links:

When Grief Grows and Loss Lingers - God's love leads us on toward new life with resurrection hope

Navigating Tragedy - When tragedy strikes, we face vital choices. God is near. We can call out to Him. The Lord hears us in tragedy. He sees our anguish and turns his ear to our cries

The Seasons of Our Lives - trusting his sovereignty sounds all good and well until we have to reckon with the idea that pain may go hand-in-hand with his directions for our lives