GOD, ARE YOU OUT THERE?
- Key Verse
- "Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (Psalm 44:22)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Sometimes, God seems to be silent or absent when His people are suffering.
Reflections
Lately, it seems that so many people I know have been experiencing intense hardships. They have been forced to face terrible circumstances and endure heartache and loss, most of which aren't related to anything they've done wrong. These are good people who love God. They read His Word, serve Him and His people and demonstrate Christ's love for others. How is it possible that they are allowed to suffer so? Doesn't God hear?In this passage, we hear the writer express these same thoughts. Interestingly, he doesn't begin by listing his troubles. Instead, he remembers who God is and everything He has already done for them. He also promises to continue to praise the Lord! I have to admit, my first response to hard circumstances usually goes something like this: "Lord, what is going on? Where are you? What did we do to deserve this?" Scripture tells us, though, that our circumstances aren't always the results of our sin. The focus is on how God will reveal His glory and power through it. In John's Gospel, Jesus' disciples asked Him whose sin had caused a man's blindness (which Jesus later healed). " 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned,' said Jesus, 'but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life'" (John 9:3).
At the end of this Psalm, the writer begs God for relief with an expectant tone. It doesn't seem to be so much a matter of IF, but WHEN God will respond. It sounds like he's relying on God's past faithfulness as proof that He can be trusted with the future.
For believers in Christ, God is not "out there." He is within us, guiding and strengthening us for life's battles. He never leaves us alone for one minute, no matter how it may appear. In suffering, these are two of God's promises that I love and rely on: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5), and "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Discussion Questions
1. Who do you go to first when trouble strikes?2. What circumstances are you facing now where God seems to be silent or absent?
3. How has God already revealed His power to you in prior situations?
4. Make a list of God's promises that you can rely on in times of suffering.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Terry Melle
April 30, 2010 06:23 AM
Lisa, your reminder to first turn to God is the essence of faith. Our persistent depravity ought to remind us to be deeply thankful that through Christ, God has chosen to treat us as if we had never sinned. Thank you,
Linda Lott
April 30, 2010 08:08 AM
Way to go, Lisa! Thanks reminding us (me) to remember who God is during hard times. . and also to continue to praise Him during them! Great job!
Monica James
April 30, 2010 08:24 AM
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and reminding us of the truth. Too often we get wrapped up in ourselves and this world that we forget that we should be focusing on Him and His Kingdom. I also admit to first asking "why me?, why now?", but once I turned to Him, I have also seen (and continue to see) the work of God in my life, and the loved ones around me. None of which would have happened had the hardship not come first. What a great way to end the week! God Bless!
Mark Sutton
April 30, 2010 08:53 AM
Lisa, I praise God that he has provided the Holy Spirit as our comforter. Again God reminds us that he wants us to look first to Him and His provision at all times. Thanks!
Casey
April 30, 2010 10:06 AM
Wow, well said! Great insight into God's Word - thank you for putting it in to perspective. I am reminded to look at the big picture of what God is doing - whether trial or tribulation - to reveal His glory and power. God is with us in it all. Thanks Lisa!
Sam Shoquist
April 30, 2010 10:11 AM
Lisa, Thank you for sharing these truths from your heart. I praise God for you and David and how He is working in your lives.
Beckye Estill
April 30, 2010 03:41 PM
Amen, sister! God is faithful and can be depended on in the midst of our trials. Immanuel, God with us. He is faithful and will certainly reveal His glory and power in our midst. Thanks for the great devo!