Who’s To Blame

 When we have been consciously walking in the ways of God for a time and a disaster strikes, we often think that we must have done something wrong to deserve what has occurred. Our trouble could be caused by a natural disaster, a road accident, a disease, or something else.  Some may ask “Why would God allow this in your life?”  The writer of the following Psalm, along with others, was taken captive to a foreign land. Their captors tormented and insulted them and their God by asking them to sing happy songs about their far off homeland.

 Alongside Babylon’s rivers we sat on the banks; we cried and cried, remembering the good old days in Zion. Alongside the quaking aspens we stacked our unplayed harps; That’s where our captors demanded songs, sarcastic and mocking: “Sing us a happy Zion song!” Oh, how could we ever sing God’s song in this wasteland? (Psalm 137:1-5 MSG) 

When Jesus heard about two different disasters – Pilate killing some Galileans while they were worshipping and eighteen people who were crushed and killed when a tower in Siloam fell – He asked the people if they thought these people were worse sinners than other people.  Then Jesus clarified the issue and said: They were not. But I tell you if you don’t decide now to change your lives, you will all be destroyed too!” (Luke 13:5 ERV)

Like the captors in the above Psalm, some people mock God and the people who believe in God.  In times of trouble, if people ask us “Where is your God in this”, we can say with assurance, God is on His throne looking down on His creation to see whose eyes are turned towards Him so He can send them help.

Prayer: Gracious God, Thank You for being with me in every circumstance I encounter.  In good times and in times of trouble, help me to trust that You care for me.  Amen

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