However challenging it has been to make sense of evil as believers, try doing that without God in the picture. As many conclude there is no ultimate purpose or justification in evil, there is likewise no sense of ultimate redemption from it either. How could you not then feel despair and outrage?
Confusion, anxiety, despair, and anger are everywhere. Thankfully, we are not left “comfortless” or without inspired direction in these challenging times.
Job’s words, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,” are especially meaningful post-COVID.
Serious differences generate serious discomfort for us all. Could that be why they’re so good for us?
Depression is real and often excruciating. Let’s not make it worse by persuading people it is invariably life-long and based on permanent, intrinsic deficiency.
Is this a time to mostly get through and distract ourselves until we can get back to normal? Or are there precious adjustments this challenge could prompt us all to make?
In an orderly and just world, religion would be just a cosmic vending machine. Unpredictable suffering makes true virtue possible.
Vivid moments of contrast can provide richness and fresh insight. That doesn’t mean they’re all meaningful or enjoyable, though.
Suffering is everywhere. And yet, by the way we sometimes talk, you’d think it’s a rarity. Or at least better to avoid in polite company.
If you think life should be easy, its hardness can feel crushing. But what if this difficulty is an essential feature, rather than a disconcerting mistake?
Underlying animosity can transform our view of otherwise vibrant goodness into something repulsive to be discarded as soon as possible.
