Where Is God in My Pain

I felt that I had experienced enough turmoil in the previous year that this year was bound to be better.

Job 30: 1-31

Reference:  v.20 I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. (TNIV Bible)

 

Explore:  I was chatting to a friend the other day as we reflected on the year that has been.  I told him that when the New Year turned over this year I was ready to put the old year behind me.  I felt that I had experienced enough turmoil in the previous year that this year was bound to be better.  However it seems that this year has trumped last year in terms of trials.  Just when I thought I had endured enough a new wave of challenges have come my way.

Application:  Each time I come across a difficult time in my life it tends to challenge my faith.  It brings up the question, “Where is God in my pain?” I realize I am not alone in asking this question.  Even during Bible times we hear many people asking the same question.  King David wrote about this question through the Psalms and here we have Job asking the same question – he cries out to God but hears no answer.  I have come to the harsh reality that I do not control God.  Most of the time I would like Him to be there at my beck and call.  But that is not how God works.  It’s often not until I have come through my difficult experience that I look back and see where God has been.  When I am in my time of trial I must hold on to the faith that I had during the good times and remind myself that, while I can’t see Him now, I do believe that God is there for me.

Prayer:  Lord, in times of trial my faith often falters.  Thank you for keeping Your promise to always be there for me.  May I hold firm to that promise in good times and in bad.  Amen.

Have you ever felt distant from God?

Job