Part 1 of a 2-part series. Read Part 2 here.
When life gets tough, have you ever found yourself wondering where God is? I know I have.
Sometimes it’s a traumatic event. The sickness or death of a loved one; betrayal of someone you trusted; accidents or illness; job loss.
Other times it’s not one big event, but many things that, over time, add up to a lot. Like a slow erosion of your heart. Death by a thousand cuts.
Life has a way of doing that. Little by little, it chips away until you find yourself in a place that feels isolated and lonely. Like there’s this big void, and you can’t figure out how to fix it.
And then you start to wonder…where are You, God? I didn’t think life was supposed to be this way. I thought it would be easier. Happier. More fulfilling.
Read Psalm 42 (I’ve been enjoying the Voice translation lately for devotional time).
“I long for the True God who lives.
When can I stand before Him and feel His comfort?
Right now I’m overwhelmed by my sorrow and pain;
I can’t stop feasting on my tears.
People crowd around me and say,
“Where is your True God whom you claim will save?”.” Psalm 42:2-3 (VOICE)
I don’t want to jump into the theological debate about why horrible things happen to good people. All I know is that bad things happen, God doesn’t always intervene (at least, not the way we want Him to), and it can leave us wondering where He is.
You know what I’ve found? It’s often in this state of brokenness where we allow Him into those places of our heart that have been closed off. It’s in those times of need where we realize we aren’t self-sufficient, we don’t have it all together, and we need Him.
Materially Blessed, Relationally Poor
This self-sufficiency flaw is especially rampant in the U.S. and other affluent countries. We are very blessed materially and most of us don’t have to worry about where our next meal will come from or where we’ll sleep tonight. It lulls us into this state of spiritual complacency because we don’t feel that dependent on God. When things are going well, anyway.
Our culture prides itself on being independent, and while it may have merits in some ways, it’s extremely destructive to our souls when applied to our spirituality and human relationships. We NEED God, and we need community. We were created for relationship. It’s a recipe for disaster when we don’t have both of those things.
You Need Others
When life throws the inevitable curve balls, you need other people alongside you. And not just anyone…you need other believers who will speak life into you and encourage you.
Do you already have that? If so, great!
If you don’t, join our private Facebook group! It’s a safe place where we don’t judge or criticize. We don’t tear down. It’s a space where we want to build others up, pray for each other, and encourage each other. Click this button to join!
If you’re not on Facebook but are looking for connection with others, leave a comment below and let us know! We’re looking for ways to build community outside of FB for those who aren’t on that platform.
“…And even if you don’t, I still believe.”
Lastly, I want to acknowledge that you or someone you love may be going through something really hard right now. The pastor of my church said something years ago that stuck with me. I don’t remember the exact context, but it was related to praying big prayers…bold prayers…unsafe prayers.
The main point of the message was that we’ll ask for big things (healing of cancer or other highly destructive illness, to transform broken marriages, for family members who’ve gone off the deep-end), and regardless of the outcome, regardless of the circumstances, we’ll still believe.
The outcome is ultimately up to Him anyway, right? We can’t do the miraculous. Only He can. Our role is to be obedient and believe that He can and will do it, and then leave it in His hands.
The next time you talk to God about something you or a loved one is going through, try ending your prayer with this: “I believe You can, and I believe You will; but even if You don’t, I still believe.”
“Why am I so overwrought?
Why am I so disturbed?
Why can’t I just hope in God?
Despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One
who saves me and is my life.” Psalm 42:5 (VOICE).
If there’s something you’re going through right now and need prayer and support, we’re here for you! You can comment below or send us a message:
~Nick
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