"Why????" one woman screamed as she ran down the road near the elementary school.

Uttering the only word that seemed to carry any meaning on that day, she screamed what we've all screamed in our minds over and over again since Friday as we've watched the story unfold like scenes from a nightmarish movie.

Why????

I'm sure God has listened to a lot of heart-wrenching cries since Friday morning.

I'm sure He's been leaned on, clung to, and cursed from the second the first shot was fired in a small, quiet town in Connecticut.

I'm sure He's heard longer and more complicated questions than simply, "Why?" since the day so many innocent lives were taken,

and

I'm sure He's going to hear many, many more.

I don't think we'll find answers on this planet.

I don't think any amount of research or evidence will be enough to explain the events of Friday.

I definitely know that NOTHING investigators uncover will bring peace to the aching hearts of family members who have faced each morning since Friday with empty arms.

This tragedy has turned Christmas upside down all over the world.

It has caused many in Newtown to take down their decorations.

All I can say this morning is this,

God promises to be close to the brokenhearted.

He walks through the valley with every single crushed heart in Newtown.

His presence in this small town today and tomorrow and the next day is as certain as the rising sun.

God is there.

The Creator of the universe, the Author of every story, the Redeemer of all mankind,

He is there.

We'll begin to hear stories as the weeks progress.

We may have to dig deep and listen closely,

but we will begin to hear the stories of how God is speaking to the hurting in Newtown.

There are no words this morning that seem adequate.

There are no explanations that make sense.

But, in the midst of all of this confusion and chaos,

stirred by evil and by the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy,

there is a Savior,

who offers peace in a troubled world.

Cling to Him today in your life's turmoil and questions.

Turn to Him today with your fears and doubts.

Answers can't always be found on an earthly level,

but God can be found at any level.

Look up with your questions,

and allow Him to be enough for your answer.

One day our faith will become sight.

One day perfection will overcome imperfection.

Until then, put your hope and trust in the One who will overcome.

JOHN 16:33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world."