Where was God ... in Las Vegas?

'Find yourself frightened, unsure, tense or insecure, in the face of a madman gunning down fellow Americans enjoying a concert?  The worst kind of tragedy is evil perpetrated by a human being against fellow human beings-for no reason.  But then there's the devastation in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Houston, and Florida ... and that's just what is assailing us on our continent.  Fact is, there is trouble worldwide. 

 

Then there are our personal stories, right? 

We ask, 'Where is God?  Has he left the building?' And, how do we get him back?

 

In our heart of hearts, we know God is still on the throne, but how do we find him?  When my dear friend fighting cancer climbs in bed at night, puts her head on her pillow, where is God?  How does she feel him near? 

 

               The broader question: Where is God in our pain? 

One of the indelible impressions of my lifetime was walking around the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero in New York City.   The names of those killed that fateful day, etched in bronze and backlit, all around the perimeter of the ponds about an acre in size took my breath away.  People talked in hushed groups, some with flowers in hand for their lost loved ones . . . and it made me remember one of the best explanations I have read on the subject of 'where is God in our pain?' 

 

It was from Gordon MacDonald, a great Christian thinker of our day, who spent time at the site, immediately following Nine-Eleven.  Included in his journal are these thoughts:  "And more than once I asked myself-as everyone asks-is God here?  And I decided that he is closer to this place than any other place I've ever visited.  The strange irony is that, amidst this absolute catastrophe of unspeakable proportions, there is a beauty in the way human beings are acting that defies the imagination.  Everyone-underscore, everyone-is everyone else's brother or sister.  [And this IS what we are hearing and seeing in Las Vegas and storm/earthquake ravaged areas too!  In the face of human tragedy, people pull together and give extravagantly, selflessly of themselves.  There is GOOD in the midst of horror.]  There are no strangers among the thousands at the work site.  Everyone talks; everyone cooperates; everyone does the next thing that has to be done.  No job is too small, too humble, or, on the other hand, too large. 

In all my years of Christian ministry, I never felt more alive than I felt last night . . . as much as I love preaching the Bible and all the other things that I have been privileged to do over the years, being on that street, giving cold water to workmen, praying and weeping with them, listening to their stories was the closest I have ever felt to God.  Even though it sounds melodramatic, I kept finding myself saying, "This is the place where Jesus most wants to be."1

 

In some cases, our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is at stake when we are in crisis.  So, here's what you and I must do: we must cling to life-giving truth.

 

The psalmist wrote,

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."2 So, where is God?  Right next to you; if you are his, he is within you-so reach for him! 

 

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."3  

These are truths you must stand on, and also share with those who are hurting. . . and by all means, let them know they are not alone!  "Never will I leave you-"4 Christian, the living Spirit of God is within you and that is why you are never without him.  Run to the Lord; invoke the power that is in his name. 

 

The brother of our Lord wrote,

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."5

And Jesus himself said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."6

 

I assure you-God has not left the building.  He has allowed us our free wills, to be sure; with those same free wills, we can now turn to him, pray and seek his comfort and strength.  We must not allow ourselves to be gripped with fear because God indeed is near, and he is able.

 

1 - Finding God in Unexpected Places, Philip Yancey

2  - Psalm 34.18

3  - Psalm 147.3

4  - Hebrews 13.5

5 -  James 4.8

6 - John 14.27