Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7

Over the years I have placed myself in some very dangerous situations overseas. I was recalling some of these events recently with family. I was very naive in some of them and just plain cavalier in others. In any number of them, things could have gone south quickly. I am grateful for the protection and care during those times. I was clearly in the shadow of his wings.

I think we all can name those times when we know we’ve felt the protection of God.

Conversely (and to be honest), we can also point to times when it seems like the protection of God was lifted. Was God not watching over us?

Look at what’s happening in the Middle East with those who are being horrifically abused and worse. Is God not protecting them?

While a devotional is probably not the place to get into doctrine about the protection and sovereignty of God, I will address it the best I know how. Essentially we are asking the question, “why do bad things happen to good people?” If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, my answer has not changed.

I don’t know.

Theologians will point to this and that and come back around again, but ultimately we do not know why He allows it.

So then why allow some things and not others?

I don’t know.

But I do know this. God is good.

I do not understand His ways.
I do not understand why He allows brutal dictators to stay in power.
I do not understand why he allows evil ISIS men and women to continue in their evil ways.
I do not understand why some have never seen troubles in their lives, and while others only experience heartache and pain.

But I do know that He knows what is best for His children.

I just wish I knew more.