Life is often very unfair. There is so much unrest and turmoil right now in our world that many are feeling anxious. Shootings, racism, terrorism, political and economic instability, the breakdown of our communities and marriage, the uncertainty of future things… It is easy to wonder what God is doing, or to be more specific, why is He not doing something? Even if it is only an emotional response, every once in awhile
It is not a new phenomenon – the Psalmist also struggled with “where is God” and the ascension of the wicked over the righteous:
Why dost Thou stand afar off, O LORD? Why dost Thou hide Thyself in times of trouble? In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD. The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, “There is no God.” (Psalm 10:1-4 NAS)
It is often easier to faithfully follow after Christ in hardship and trials than when life is easy. An easy life can breed contempt and self-reliance; a challenging life exposes our weaknesses and drives us to greater dependence with God. When life issues remove our supports and we find ourselves overwhelmed and struggling to make sense of everything, it is then that we often wonder if God is really there. The key in Psalm 10 finally comes in verses 16:
“The Lord is King forever and ever; Nations have perished from His land. O Lord, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble; Thou wilt strengthen their heart, Thou will incline Thine ear.”
While God’s ways may seem mysterious at times we need to remember that His grace operates in a fallen world; a world afflicted by sin, suffering, evil, and brokenness. God is always there and He is King. He is still on the throne and working out His purposes. While whole nations may rise and fall we are told “the Lord hears the desire of the humble”. Humility is the calling card of rediscovering God when He seems distant or not there at all. When God is silent we need to remember that in our “smallness” God is still on the throne, He is with us and He is working in us. The question is not so much is God there but: are we with Him?
Pastor Brad Little
