After the MSU shooting last week, I had no words. I think like many others, I was in a state of shock and distress and I had absolutely no idea what to say. So instead, I spent a lot of time in prayer, and yes, I even cried out to God asking Him why? Why did He let this happen and why didn't He stop it? Why do these kids and their families have to suffer, and why do so many lives have to be affected by this tragedy and others like it? "I just don't understand, God, why?"
As I sat with these questions all week long, my heart was broken because there are no answers as to why this happened, none at all. So, we are left with these feelings that weigh us down and fill us with sorrow, and that is why I was so grateful for the time that we had to lament on Sunday. I feel like I was in the beginning of that process already when I cried out to God during the week, but as Pastor Matt said on Sunday, "We are not immediately comforted." "We are still left without answers, but we now know what to do with our pain and our grief, and that is to cry out, and bring it before an All-Powerful God, because even in our crying out, we experience His faithful presence."
So, with that being said, I encourage you to cry out as well when you are hurting and give it to God. Remember that it is OK to question Him and it is OK to be honest with Him about how you feel. He wants to hear you and He will respond. I actually feel like I received a response from Him this morning when I came across this verse from Psalm 91:1-2:
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
I find great comfort in this verse because it is a reminder to seek God when we are in need of refuge, and for me, it is a reminder to trust Him. It is also comforting to me because when I read it, I can actually close my eyes and physically feel His presence all around me. I can imagine His shadow covering me, keeping me safe, and giving me the peace that I so desperately need. I hope that this might bring you some comfort too.