Expert: Scott Talbot - 8/11/2005

Question
A most loving Christian boy was just killed in Iraq. He read the 91st Psalm every day for comfort. (You shall not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day). That psalm clearly promises protection to God's faithful, doesn't it? How can I reconcile those words with what actually happened to this boy, whom I know was faithful to God? How can I explain that to his parents?  

Answer
Hi, Andrew.

My heart goes out to the young boy in Iraq who lost his life, and to his family and friends. This is, indeed, a tragic situation.

How does this fit with Psalm 91? You ask a good question.

First, when God created the world, He pronounced it to be good. It wasn't until mankind ruined God's perfect world through sin that bad things entered our experience.

At one time, there was no death, disease, or injury, no hatred, violence, or bloodshed. Then came the Fall, and, with it, these evils. This was not God's original intention. We brought it on ourselves. And none of us--not even God's children--are immune from these things.

Psalm 91 acknowledges the love of God, and His power to watch over His children. Nothing can happen to us without His allowing it. With God, there are no accidents, no coincidences or haphazard circumstances. We're in His hands and under His control.

Ideally, God's wish is that no harm would come to us. However, He sometimes allows it in order to bring about good. James 1:2-3 tells us to rejoice in the face of trials, because they're intended to make us stronger. And Romans 8:28 says that ALL things work together for good to those who love God.

Look at Job. He was not immune from harm. And yet God used it for Job's good, for our benefit, and for His glory. Pick out ANY Bible character, and you'll find that his life was not free from trials or tribulations. But THROUGH these trials and tribulations, God has been able to create greater good.

The lesson is this. God is in control. He loves and cares for us. He will never let anything happen to us that isn't for our ultimate good. What about death? Well, we see death from a human perspective. But what about the little boy who died? If you were to ask him now, I'm absolutely certain he'd say that he's better off, ... that his death WAS a good thing.

Eventually, the perfect and righteous ruler, Jesus Christ, will return to earth to establish His kingdom. Eventually, death, disease, injury, violence, and warfare will be abolished. That will be a glorious day! Until then, we're still in His hands. And even though we don't always understand what He's doing and why He's doing it, we can trust His wisdom and love.

I hope this helps. Feel free to write back if you would like to discuss further.

Scott