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Praise You in this Storm
I'll confess, as I sat down to write this newsletter, all I could think about is the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. It is nearly impossible to focus my thoughts and recall all the blessings we've experienced this past year without remembering the unimaginable pain the victims' families must be experiencing. Especially the families of the children. I recently read an obituary of a 5 year old boy who died in a car accident. His parents wrote that he "loved reading, school, his family, computer games, baking, and Jesus. He was a loving, funny, and curious boy. He talked excitedly about Heaven and asked many questions, but knows the answers now." I think of the 20 beautiful, inquiring minds that were ushered into the Kingdom of God on December 14th. Precious little lives cut short here on earth in a tragedy that left unanswered questions on the lips of grieving mothers and fathers, but that brought 20 precious souls into the infinite knowledge of a loving Savior.
Our hearts have been heavily burdened by this tragic event. As difficult as it is to move forward in a season defined by warm, fuzzy feelings and outpourings of joy, I believe it is extremely important to continue proclaiming the promises of our Creator. We worship a God of infinite power and might, compassion and love. We do not always understand His ways, but it helps my heart to know that the same God who existed before the beginning of the universe, who humbled Himself to take the form of lowly carpenter from Nazareth, who died a humiliating death on a cross and rose again in full glory three days later; this same God knew each precious child who perished in those Connecticut classrooms and He was there with each one. He is still present with each child.
I love the lyrics to the Casting Crowns song "Praise You in this Storm":
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
This Christmas, although it is tainted by national pain, it is also a time to see beyond the "warm fuzzies" of the holiday season to a God who knows us in our pain, who "binds up our wounds and heals the brokenhearted." (Psalm 147:3) Even when our world is dark, He remains steadfast. Come, let us truly adore our Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.
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