Where Are You God?
“Would you question my justice, deem me guilty so you can be innocent? Or do you have an arm like God; can you thunder with a voice like him? Adorn yourself with splendor and majesty; clothe yourself with honor and esteem.” Job 40:8-10 (CEB)
In a world filled with chaos, tragedy, and confusion, it’s no surprise that Christians sometimes find themselves asking, “Where are You, God?” From natural disasters that tear communities apart to social upheavals challenging long-held beliefs, faith can sometimes feel like a flickering flame in the middle of a storm.
The waves of hardship seem to rise higher with every passing year. It’s during these moments of overwhelming doubt and fear that we may cry out, echoing the psalmist: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1).
Yet, Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is not absent. In the midst of trials, He is always there. Psalm 46:1 encourages us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The phrase very present indicates that God is not just passively observing; He is actively involved in our lives, even when we don’t see it.
The Battle for Faith in Today’s World
Still, everywhere we look we face new challenges to our faith. News headlines are disheartening. Hurricanes ravage coastal towns, leaving homes destroyed and lives in disarray. Wildfires blaze across forests, swallowing everything in their path. Earthquakes shake the very foundations of cities, leaving nothing but rubble and despair behind.
On top of these disasters, the moral and spiritual foundations of society seem to be crumbling as well. Christian values are often met with hostility. Public discourse is increasingly secular, and the marginalization of our Christian beliefs is becoming the norm.
Topics that once united believers are now points of division, and the cultural shift away from biblical principles can make believers feel as though they are standing alone in a sea of opposition.
It’s as though a spiritual battle rages on, and we are caught in the crossfire.
There is Nothing New Under the Sun
Has God suddenly turned a deaf ear to our troubles? This question is not new. Just as Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:9, “there is nothing new under the sun.” There has always been chaos, and always will be.
In the midst of his suffering, Job famously cried out to God, longing for answers: “I cannot find God anywhere – in front or back of me, to my left or my right. God is always at work, though I never see him.” (Job 23:8-9).
Even the most faithful among us experience seasons when it feels as if God is distant or hidden.
The Apostle Paul warned us about these days. Writing to Timothy he cautioned, “in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (2 Timothy 3:1). He listed many of the signs we see around us today: people will be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy…” (2 Timothy 3:2-3).
These times can make us feel as though God has left us to fend for ourselves in an increasingly hostile world. But the truth is that God has not abandoned us – He is still working out His purposes even when we cannot see it. His timing, though often mysterious to us, is perfect.
Finding God in the Midst of Tragedy
Some of life’s most heart-wrenching moments arise during times of disaster and loss. When floods sweep through entire regions or pandemics claim lives by the thousands, it’s easy to feel abandoned. The whole world watches as they witness events that generate shock and awe. The strength of the storms and the magnitude of the destruction are stunning.
However, history is full of stories where, even in the darkest times, God’s presence has shone through. In the aftermath of tragedies, we often see communities coming together, strangers reaching out in love, and a surge of kindness that can only be described as divine.
Though we may not see God’s hand in a storm, He is still working. For example, after recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton, faith-based organizations were some of the first on the ground, providing food, shelter, and spiritual care to those who had lost everything. In times of crisis, God’s love often becomes evident through the actions of His people.
Encouragement for Today
So, where is God in all of this? He is right here, in the midst of the storm. He is in the hands of those who offer help, in the prayers of those who intercede, and in the hearts of those who cling to His promises. God never promised that our journey of faith would be easy, but He promised He would never leave us. “I leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Though our world may feel like it’s spinning out of control, we serve a God who holds the universe in His hands. The same God who parted the Red Sea, who raised Jesus from the dead, and who calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee is the same God who is with us today.
We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust His heart. And in the end, He promises to wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4), and all will be made right.
The next time you find yourself asking, “Where are You, God?” remember His faithfulness throughout history. He is not absent. He is working all things together for good. Take heart, for God is with you – always. Even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, God’s love remains unshaken.
May God continuously guide your path.