Where is God when I need him?

I had wanted it to lead to an honest discussion and shared hope in the monthly gathering of women I facilitate. All ages are invited to discuss topics like these – to search for answers we all need. But someone wanted to know beforehand if any young people would be there and that got me to thinking.

Yes, there are more older women who attend than younger but I really wanted that young person to know that young and old alike share the same need for comfort and rescue at any age. Everyone suffers! It is true older women have more practice in surviving those awful desperate moments. We’re battle weary and scarred but maybe this is what God had in mind when he said the “olders” should be an asset to the “youngers”.

I have had my share of heartaches as I know you have. Those paralyzing moments of terror and heartbreak – your spouse or child dies. You or a loved one faces terminal illness or mental breakdown and the day to day trials of life - the car breaks down, the toilet overflows, the roof leaks, your in-laws make impossible demands, and the kids are out of control.

Where is God then? Does he care? Does he even exist? Why can’t I feel him when I’m hurting and sad and overwhelmed? Why do these problems keep coming back and why can’t I ever get past them or on top of them? Why can’t I just catch a break?

There are two solid answers we can cling to for comfort. First in the familiar story of Mary and Martha whose brother Lazarus died. They cried to Jesus in their grief, ‘Where were you? If you had been here he wouldn’t have died!’

A familiar cry! My loved one didn’t have to die. You could have stopped this. Where were you? Why did you let this happen?

Jesus reminded Martha (John 11:25-26), “I am the resurrection and the life.”

He is saying he is the one who breathes life – resurrects us in our suffering even before the great and final resurrection in the end. He revives us when we’ve hit a brick wall or lost our way in the dark. He resurrects us each time we turn to him for mercy. Dead in our sins, He promises “the one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. “

Life and resurrection is found in him, believing in him.

A few chapters later in John 14: 15, he tells us “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counselor to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.”

Here is our 2nd hope - not only can Jesus resurrect us in the midst of the troubles in our lives but he sends a counselor to guide us through those pesky hardships and help us hold on to our sanity. His Spirit promises love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control to those who believe Jesus, love him and keep his commands. Sometimes a extra measure of patience or self-control is all we need to keep the lid on those bad days. The Holy Spirit will help you through those times too.

So maybe the question is not ‘Where is he when I need him?’ but rather ‘Where am I?’

The sun is still there even when the sky is dark and overcast. He’s in our hearts. He knows what you’re going through, and why, and he told us what we need to know in his word.

I know this blog is long but that's how it feels when we're in the midst of suffering. Give yourself permission to really think about this - meditate on it - seek God and he will be found!

Life does come with instructions. Need a copy?

Read the book. You’ll love the ending!