a God that sees.

Today, the news of 20 children killed mercilessly panged the hearts of many across our nation. Then, added to their number are adults, adults who thought of those children before themselves. Children today were murdered for no reason. They could have had bright futures before them: loose teeth, Santa Claus' visit in 11 days, birthday parties, bonfires with friends, driving, high school sweethearts, college, jobs, families of their own, grandchildren of their own.

All of that snatched away because someone was angry. Someone needed Jesus.

I've been watching the news and reading articles since the second my phone turned on after school. "28 dead," it reads. And words won't come.

Except for one. One word comes and I know the answer but I'm asking it still: Why?

Why those children and why those families and why those teachers? Why do parents have to sob tonight because their kindergartner was taken by a boy angry with his mother? Why did this have to happen and why did this shooter feel this was a solution to any problem? Why right now? Why 11 days away from Christmas? Why do parents have to look at gifts wrapped tonight whose paper was supposed to be shredded in less than two weeks, and know that they'll stay wrapped? Why, why, why?

And I beg God to answer this "why" and all I hear is, "I am a God who sees."

Sees what?

Oh, yes. I remember. He sees our heartbreak tonight and He sees the tears that roll off of mama's & daddy's cheeks tonight as there is one less little heart under their roof. He sees the brokenness and He sees every "why" and He sees bitterness welling up. He sees parents fighting to see Him in their broken homes and He sees children tonight crying because of what they saw and heard today.

He is a God who sees. And He is a God who doesn't let go.

Tonight, He rocks mamas as they weep. He holds the father that doesn't know if he's ever gonna breathe again. He surrounds the siblings that know there should be one more at the dinner table. He fills the gap and He eases the pain. Over and over and over again, He is faithful.

He calls us tonight to be Job 2:11-13 friends. Friends that only carry the burden and don't try to press healing into wounds with words. Friends that grieve with friends. Friends who sit beside the hurting and are just present, available, willing to share in the pain.

He is a God that gives and takes away; a God that has the power to turn our sobs of bitterness and confusion into joyful songs of praise.

"She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'"

Genesis 16:13 (bold & italics added)