When the Storms Come

Bible Reading: Psalm 10:14, 17; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7; Revelation 21:1-4

Melanie gazed out her bedroom window as rain pelted the glass. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed while tears streaked down her face. “Why, God?” she whispered. “Why did my baby brother have to die?” The storm looked angry and sad—like Melanie’s heart.

Arms wrapped around her, and Melanie looked up to see her mom’s weary face, wet with tears. She leaned against her mom, and they cried together. After a few minutes, Melanie took a shaky breath and asked, “I just don’t understand. I know God is powerful enough to keep Micah from dying, so why didn’t He?”

Mom shook her head sadly. “I wish I had an answer for you, Melanie, but I don’t.”

“I feel like my heart won’t ever be the same again!”

“That’s how I feel too, Mel,” Mom admitted. “And you know, it’s okay to feel angry and sad.”

Melanie tipped her head to look into her mom’s eyes. “It is?”

Mom pulled Melanie’s Bible off her nightstand. “Did you know that God keeps track of the times we are sad?” She opened the Bible and pointed to Psalm 56:8. “‘List my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?’”

Melanie took out her pink highlighter and marked it. “I remember what the pastor read at Micah’s funeral. ‘God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ I bet that’s in Psalms too.’”

Mom nodded. “Psalm 34:18. The Psalms are songs of sorrow and joy. God wants us to cry out to Him, no matter what we’re going through or how we feel. He won’t turn us away—He will comfort us. Sometimes, when I am too sad or angry to pray, I open up Psalms, and it helps me pray. It reminds me that I’m not alone. God was with David and the other writers of the Psalms, and He is with us too.” Mom gave Melanie a squeeze. “One day, Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, tears, or pain.”

Melanie grinned wide. “One day, we will see Micah again! I can’t wait to give him a big hug.”

Mom’s eyes brightened. “Me neither.” – Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Have you lost someone you love? It’s okay to ask God questions and feel angry and sad. Jesus wants us to bring all our feelings and tears to Him. He is our hope and our comfort. Because He died to give us eternal life, we know that life on this earth is not the end. When we belong to Him, we will live with Him forever in heaven when we die.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 10:14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Death is not the end