One thing that confuses non-believers is, if there is a God, and God is good, why do so many bad things happen in the world? This question assumes that God’s intent is to make everything nice and pleasant for people on earth, and if that isn’t happening, then God must not be in control.

Psalm 119:91 says, “Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans.” the NIV version puts it this way, “Your laws endure to this day. For all things serve you.”

God is in complete control of what is happening in our world, and as has been described in many cases in the Bible, God’s plans often include things that are not very pleasant for some people. Some examples include the Great Flood, the Babylonian captivity, the martyring of believers, etc. In our world today we see government tyranny, domestic violence, wars, diseases, and natural disasters, that cause terrible pain and suffering for people. We don’t always know why God is letting these things happen, but we need to keep our faith and trust in God’s plan, and remember there is something much bigger and more significant beyond the horizon of our life on earth.

I like the expression, “We don’t know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that you created all things for your purposes and your plans, not ours. We need to remember our part is to accept your gift of Salvation, bring glory to you, and to love our neighbor. If we keep these things in mind, we can have peace knowing that you have everything under control and as Paul wrote in Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.