Thank the Lord for his blessings in my life. He has given me several reprieves this past week. A paper being finished and turned in. An event off my plate. A test taken. Time with friends and refreshing sleep. Beautiful weather. Dinner at a professor’s house and a successful meeting. Work smoothing out.

I am incredibly unworthy to know God, let alone the fact that he answers my prayers. Jesus has saved me! He extends that salvation to all!

Yet, a contrast looms.

Several friends I know are struggling hard. Stress, death, medical issues, financial problems, family drama, dark depression. God seems far away from them, the Scriptures are dry, and Satan feels like he’s ripping life apart.

Set this against the backdrop of our world, the picture looks even blacker. ISIS. Ebola. Economic crises. Political scandals. Broken families. Divided nations.

It’s hard to see how the God we serve can still be Lord in both the good and the bad. How can he still be Lord amidst the suffering? How can truth be true all the time, no matter what our circumstances? 

How can the God I worship and praise for the blessings he’s given me be the same God who seems so absent in the lives of others? 

I don’t have all the answers. I am hardly omniscient, and I am far from wise. 

Yet, one thing I do know…of one thing I am sure.

I was blind, but now I see. God is real. God is true. He is here. I know it’s hard to see through the pain and the storms and the dark. All I can tell you is that I know a fount where sins are washed away.

Free is the one that the Son sets free. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. Colossians 3:2. 

See beyond the contrast, the joy, the pain. See him, whom was pierced for our transgressions. See our Lord in his sovereignty and deep love which draws us into his arms through the trials.