By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“Regardless of the source of our pain, we must accept that God knows, God loves and God is at work.” – Charles Stanley.

One of the most asked questions is, “If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?” I believe that this is the question that each of us has to face at one point or another.

It is difficult to believe that God is good even when life isn’t. When we go through difficult situations or trying circumstances, it’s hard to see where God is in the midst of our struggle.

When we lose a loved one, when tragedy strikes, when life takes a U-turn, where is God in that? Does He still love me? Is He still working for my Good? Has God left me?

Jesus never said that life was easy. In fact, He said the opposite. He told His followers:

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another” (Matthew 10:21-23).

Life is difficult. But the good news is that we never have to face anything alone. God is always with us, always loving us, and always working for our good.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3).

When it seems like the earth is giving way. When it seems like the mountains are crumbling around you. When the water is rising above your neck and the ground begins to quake, God is still present. He is right there with you.

In the midst of your suffering, in the midst of your heartache, in the midst of your difficulties, God is there offering strength and comfort and provision.

For that, He deserves our praise. It can be difficult to praise God in our suffering. It can be hard to worship God when the world is falling around us. Look at this Psalm:

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” (Psalm 34:1).

We have to make the choice now that no matter what trials may come and no matter what we might face, we are going to praise God. We will worship Him not only because He is with us in those difficult moments, but also because He has always been with us. He is ever-faithful, ever-good, and our ever-present help in times of need.

Parents: Explain to your children the need to praise God no matter the circumstance.