Something significant happened to me today when I was on my way to the gym and it destroyed my heart…It absolutely crushed me. Bear with me here please. And before I go any further, I just want to set the record straight and declare publicly – “God is absolutely NOT dead.” So please don’t turn away from reading. Keep reading. It’s not going to take that long.

I was sitting at a traffic light waiting to for the light to change so I could turn. When the light cycled, I made the turn, straightened out my truck, and kept heading in the direction I needed to go. For those that do not know, I live in Florida. Our state laws do not require us to have a front license plate, so for the most part you can put anything you want on the front of your vehicle where a front license plate would go. Alot of people have custom emblems, their favorite sports teams, etc., etc., (you get the idea). Well, I happened to pass by this car going in the opposite direction and the front plate caught my attention. In bright bold red letters it said “GOD IS DEAD.” When I saw those words, my heart sank, like someone just handed me a 1000-pound boulder and the weight of it crushed me. It really made me so upset that I started praying out of grief for whoever that person was. And mind you, I did not see them or make eye contact with them, so I had no clue who I was praying for, but I knew needed to pray, and pray specifically for them.

I prayed the rest of my way to the gym and once I got there I checked in and began working out, but I could not focus at all. I was still bothered by the fact that someone thought God was dead. Then I began thinking how common that mindset is in our communities and society. Think about it for a second- How many of us have had that mindset before? I know I have. Maybe not thinking God is flat out dead but thinking He’s just not interested in what’s going on in the world or truly cares about what happens to us. Some people also tend to view God as a “thing” or a deity that just set the world in motion and is no longer interested in interacting with us the created. Or what about those who feel God isn’t present because there’s so much evil running rampant in the world with so much chaos that we actually question where God is and what he’s doing? You know the question heard all the time – If God is real why is there so much evil in the world? That’s a discussion for a later time and the short answer to that question is because of the free choice and free will us men and women have. God is not a magician, and we are not robots. We have a free choice to do evil or to do good. And because we are evil and fallen, born into it by nature, we need redemption because we cannot save ourselves. God is holy and cannot know sin. Hence why Jesus comes in and provides that salvation which connects the gap between creation and God. More to follow on this at a later time – I have to finish my first thought lol.

I’m reminded of the prophet Habakkuk who complained to God about this exact thing. Evil occurred during his time between 612 BC and 589 BC and was running rampant with no end in sight. Habakkuk literary complained to God and in his complaint, God answered him. (The book of Habakkuk is only 3 chapters long and the main theme discusses Habakkuk’s struggle and doubt, God’s sovereignty, and hope. It also talks about Habakkuk being troubled and brining those troubles to God with God ultimately answering him. I would encourage you to read it. I took the source of this information out of Tyndale House Publishers Life Application Study Bible – New Living Translation Second Edition – Published in 2007. Below is the link to Habakkuk 3 from http://www.biblegateway.com)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk%201&version=NLT

I was also reminded of the times where I see God, especially right before I go into work during the nighttime hours. I always see a beauty in a sunset It reminded me of Psalm 19:

Psalm 19
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.[a]
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
    It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
    and follows its course to the other end.
    Nothing can hide from its heat.

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
    reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
    bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
    giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
    lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
    each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
    even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
    even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
    a great reward for those who obey them.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
    Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
    and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Footnotes

1. 19:3 Or There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2019&version=NLT

Times are absolutely rough right now for a lot of people. There is a lot of questions people have and there are a lot more questions answers. I sure do not have all the answers, but I just want to be an encouraging voice that helps to remind you that yes there is a God, yes He is in control, and yes we need to just be patient sometimes. You can always pray and talk to God wherever you’re at. And you don’t have to have all the answers. Just take some time to rest your mind. And always Pray. I hope this encouraged someone.

-Mike