Where Were You?

Several years ago, my wife and I were having lunch with a friend who had been through some trying and dark times. During lunch, our conversation turned to her place in life and how she was dealing with the pain she had endured. As the conversation continued, she made it clear that she no longer believed in God. She went on to explain that she could not reconcile the events of her life with a God who loves her, and then she asked, “Where is He anyway?” 

This question of “Where is God?” is one that has been uttered by many over the last months as we have seen unspeakable violence and hate. It is a question that has echoed through countless hospital waiting rooms, funeral homes, and sleepless nights. 

If you've ever found yourself in this place, you're not alone. It is a question we see posed in the Psalms, and we also see it in John 11, Martha and Mary telling Jesus, “if you had been here, our brother would not have died.” In essence, “Where were you?” 

He Is Not Asleep At the Wheel 

When chaos erupts around us, it's natural to feel like everything is spinning out of control. But the truth is, our circumstances don't determine God's sovereignty. In the book of Isaiah, God reminds us of this reality: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

This doesn't mean God is distant or indifferent. It means His perspective is infinitely greater than ours. What feels random or senseless to us is still within His sovereign plan.

He Is Close To Us 

Here's what I've learned through my own seasons of pain and loss: God isn't absent during our darkest moments; He's actually closest to us in these dark and often solitary moments. David, who was no stranger to pain and trials, tells us in Psalm 34 that, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Notice that it doesn't say He prevents broken hearts or crushed spirits. It says He draws near to them. When we're at our lowest point, when we feel most alone, that's precisely when God moves in closer as one who will comfort and sustain. 

God doesn't stand at a distance observing our pain; He enters into it with us.

He Is Working Things Together For His Purpose

This is perhaps the hardest truth to accept when we're in the midst of suffering, but it's also the most hopeful. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes the following, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Notice Paul doesn't say all things are good—tragedy, loss, and pain are not good. But he does say that God works all things together for good, for His purpose. There is a big difference.

This verse isn't a promise that bad things won't happen to good people. It's a promise that God can take even the most devastating circumstances and weave them into His greater plan. Sometimes we see glimpses of this in our lifetime; other times, we have to trust by faith.

And, it is in this faith and secure hope that we can avoid trying to discern what good is and know that our God is good all the time.  

Finding Hope 

If you're in a season where you're asking, "Where is God?", know that He hasn't abandoned you. He's not punishing you. He's not distant or indifferent. He's close to your broken heart, He's sovereign over all, and He's working all things for His purpose and your ultimate good.

If you are still not convinced, I suggest picking up a copy of the Bible to get an up close picture of who God is and just how much He loves us. 

The God who walks with you through the valley is the same God who will eventually lead you to still waters and green pastures. Hold onto that truth, especially when you can't see it yet.

Running the Race With You,

Carlos

This edition was first published in The Life Design Newsletter on LinkedIn.