A difficult tragedy

Most of us have had to deal with a difficult tragedy. Maybe we have had a loved one die in a car accident. The police came to our door in the middle of the night and told us the bad news. Some people have had to face the problem of a child dying young. It may come as losing a job. Sometimes a doctor walks in and says, “I’m sorry but I can’t help you.” We could list many more.

In fact we would rather not even talk about them. If we do, we still have to face the pain.

Maltbie Babcock, a 19th-century minister, knew all about the pain of suffering. He had two sons who died in infancy. He loved writing poetry. He wrote a poem and later on someone set it to music. This poem became a beloved hymn: “This Is My Father’s World.” The song looks at creation but it deals with evil and suffering in the world. In the last few lyrics he states that God has the last word and God’s love will win out: “that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”

You may have faced many tragedies in your life but you have great solace and peace that “God is the ruler yet” in your life and His love will win. His love brings you peace, hope and sure confidence in the midst of your pain. He turns your darkest hour into the bright assurance that He is working in your life, which gives you a sure confidence and peace.