How Can God Allow Pain?

When the pain and frustration get too much, we sometimes cry out against God. “If He is just, how could He let this happen to us?” We don´t mean to be testy. But we struggle under the weight of our pain and strain.

It is nothing new to wonder where God is while evil and suffering afflict our world. The afflicted have always wondered how God could allow bad things to happen to good people. The answer to our adequate question is closer to home than we might imagine. He does not want to see any suffering at all. How do we know? That we see the damage that evil is hurling at God´s children shows that we are a little like Him.

God created us, His children, to share the good things and pleasant times. The God of love loves to hear laughter, singing, praise, and thanksgiving. When we are happy, we do those things. It doesn´t happen much when we are sad.

Ridding God´s universe of all that is bad is a bigger job than we imagine. It is a tall order for our righteous God. He must get it right. He must meet far more than the superficial things that humans like to consider. But we know that He has a plan. He told us so. We also know that He suffers when we do. On top of that, He has invested throughout the ages His own feelings and, His own Son. He is making sure it will all turn out well.

A child may get upset and not understand why their daddy doesn´t stay home from work and play with them. They don´t understand yet that he had to go to work to support the whole family. But one day, those children will know.

So, the next time we want to cry out to God, let us throw ourselves in His big, capable arms. Let us thank Him for all He is doing for our family. All will be safe. And His job will soon finish successfully. We will gather to celebrate and enjoy His presence forever. Until then, He will kiss and bind our bumps and bruises. Our Heavenly Father loves us. And the pains will all be forgotten!

Why do you hide your face, and forget our affliction and our oppression? Psalm 44:24 (WEB)