God’s presence missing in our lives

Have you ever wondered why people are drawn to God after a tragedy? But, why are they not drawn to God before a tragedy occurs?

I believe there is a strong correlation between tragedies and our separation from God. We no longer say the Pledge of Allegiance, allow prayer in school, or honor God through faithful marriages. Remember those days when people could be trusted, character mattered, family values were important, people actually talked to each other, and people went to church on Sunday?

So, how much do our children learn, today, about building a relationship with God? History and the Bible have shown that when God's people are faithful, he protects them and blesses them. When they are unfaithful, he allows bad things to happen.

Instead of continually applying “fixes” to problems after they occur, why don't we try treating the root cause of the problems, so they don't recur? The root problem is sin and until people seek God, ask forgiveness and pray for his presence in our lives, tragedies will not end.

Gary Fischer

Iowa City