"Blessed be The Lord who gives and who takes away." (Job)

"Blessed be The Lord who gives

and who takes away." (Job)

By Dwight Cunkle

What can we say about God in response to death, loss and hardship and suffering in the aftermath of these storms? Worship is always the best first
response. Can we say, “God is good.”

We need wisdom to represent God's mercy mixed with judgment; then bring comfort to people who are suffering. “‘If you remain hostile toward me and refuse to listen to me, I will multiply your afflictions seven times over, as your sins deserve. Lev 26:20-22
“What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this.” Ezra 9:12-14

Jeremiah  lamented over the destruction and
judgment of Jerusalem: "It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed. His favors are never
exhausted. They are new every morning." (Lam 3:22-23)

Joseph's faithfulness overcame false accusation and captivity declaring that God used what was "intended for evil to bring about his good purpose."
Even when the devil works his worst God holds the
injury in his skillfull hand to bring good in the soul of those who will turn to Him. So, let us turn to HIM!

(Paraphrased from Self-Abandonment to Divine Providence by J P de Caussade.) Our God is so good that he is careful to fit all things to our position and character. We do out part and trust God to do what He alone can do in us and in all things. His design makes what is needed such as air and water
accessible to us (though we pollute the air and many suffer malnutrition and scarcity of clean water).

His grace also places within easy reach of all
people holiness, fidelity and loving action, though the world, the flesh and devil work together to
hinder these too. We have to exhale the bad air and breathe in the good. Likewise we exchange our sin for his goodness. “What has God required, but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8

First, we ask the grace to have faith and see God’s goodness and help us do our duty to God and neighbor in each present moment.

Second, we abandon ourselves to God's love in all things whatever we suffer. God is good and will bring good. Let us be his good hands and praise his goodness, while we accept affliction in the dark night and mystery of His Divine Providence.