One thing I hear from people who experience tragedy is, “Where was God when this happened?” People ask me often, “Why does God make bad things happen?” I always assure them that God never makes bad things happen. But the nature of free will is that people can choose their own actions, and ever since sin entered into the world – well – people haven’t always chosen the best courses of action. Sometimes, pain can hit very close to home.

People experience abuse, the loss of a loved one to addiction, the breaking of a relationship, or war. But let me assure you, that while God allows free will to take place, which means bad things sometimes happen – He is with us every single second of every single day. God is not careless about our situation. He sees you and He sees me. He understands our anguish. The Bible says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

My friend, whatever you need rest from in your life right now – whatever pain you’re experiencing – I urge you to take it to God in prayer. Tell Him. Rest in His love, mercy, grace, and peace. Then you will be in a good position to share God’s good news of salvation with people around you – people in your world.    This is Luis Palau.