When evil strikes, hearts break and the question arises: “Where is your God?” We recently heard that chilling question written on a weapon meant for destruction. It is not a new question. The psalmist lamented, “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me continually, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:3). The enemies of God’s people have always mocked us with that taunt. But God has answered—and not with silence, but with His Son.
“Christ is the world’s Light, Christ and none other;
born in our darkness, He became our Brother.
If we have seen Him, we have seen the Father:
Glory to God on high.”
Where is God when the world grows dark with sin and violence? He is not absent. He is not indifferent. God is truly present in Christ Jesus. He stepped into our darkness. He bore our griefs. He carried our sorrows. He was pierced by violence, nailed to a cross, and even there the crowd mocked: “He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now” (Matthew 27:43). And yet, in that deepest moment of suffering, God was at work—bringing salvation, conquering death, and reconciling the world to Himself.
So, where is God when tragedy shakes us today?
He meets us at the cross, where He bore even this sin.
He meets us in His Word, speaking truth when the world is filled with lies.
He meets us in His Sacraments, delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation to broken sinners.
He promises to be with His people, the Body of Christ, who weep with those who weep and cling together to the certain hope of the resurrection.
The mocking scrawl of “Where is your God?” is answered at the empty tomb: “He is not here, for He is risen.” (Matthew 28:6). Evil may rage, but Christ is risen. Sin may wound, but Christ has overcome. Death may claim lives, but Christ is the world’s Light that no darkness can overcome.
In our grief, we do not look inward for strength. We look to Christ—our Brother, our Savior, our God—who has entered into our suffering and promises to bring us through it, into everlasting life.
Lord Jesus Christ, the world’s true Light, shine in our darkness. Comfort those who mourn, strengthen the brokenhearted, and fix our eyes on You. When we are asked, “Where is your God?” grant us faith to confess: Our God is here—in Christ crucified and risen for us. Amen.
