I suppose you might call it faith if you believe in the sun, even on a cloudy day. We probably all have that kind of faith.
There are places where it might cloud over for weeks at a time. It’s easy to get discouraged by the gray sky. Yet, even in cloudy weather we know the sun is still up there. It’s still providing heat and light. It’s still making life possible.
What happens if our life should cloud over with troubles? What if we have to live for a while under the cover of dark disappointments or sadness?
At times like that, we might ask why such things could happen to us. We might question whether or not God is really there, whether or not he cares, whether or not he’s able to help.
You and I can’t see him directly. But God is certainly there. He is doing his work, graciously protecting and providing for us. He causes the sun to shine, and the earth to produce an abundance. He provides for all our physical needs, making our life possible. But even more than that, the Son of God shines in his Holy Word. This is God’s great answer to our spiritual need. God hasn’t left us in darkness, to try to figure out the answers to life all by ourselves. He hasn’t left us to the wolves that prey upon our fears and needs. God has given us everything we need in Jesus.
By nature you and I were sinful. Jesus came from heaven to be our holiness. We were dying. Jesus came from heaven to give us life. We were lost. Jesus came from heaven and found us. Our loving Savior lived a holy life for us and then was punished in our place on the cross. Because of Jesus, who rose victorious on the third day, all of our sins are forgiven in him.
So where we would desperately try to understand … where we would desperately try to get life right … where we would try to find comfort against fear and guilt for the wrong we’ve done … God breaks in and shows us his perfect, loving Son.
St. Paul wrote by inspiration: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. … In the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed by faith, for faith, just as it is written, ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17) Faith in Jesus!
That means real, complete forgiveness. That means true peace with God. That means a great exchange of our fate in hell, for eternal joys in heaven. That means help and encouragement for cloudy days, from fears and doubts that annoy, from sadness and grief that hurt.
Yes, we have a gracious Savior who cares for us and is there for us!
You’re invited to come to God’s house to learn more and be fed by the Word and Sacraments. God loves us in Christ!