“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

Isaiah 43:2

Kenneth Samples, a philosopher and theologian, once stated, “While God’s universe is majestic and eloquently designed to provide humankind with a fine habitat on Earth, it can also be a powerfully dangerous place at times.” Any adult living in the world today knows how true these words are. We humans are caught between the natural beauty and majesty of this created earth, and the looming threat of uncertainty that hangs over our daily lives. In these times of anxiety, strife, challenge and suffering we may be tempted to ask, “Where is God?”

This is a question that has no simple answer. Many people have struggled with the same question at difficult moments in their lives and heard nothing but a deafening silence. I must confess that I too have often found myself in this echo chamber of silence and maybe you have been there too.  Perhaps God does not need to speak as loudly as he did in the past because he has given us his final word—Jesus Christ. He has also given us his God-breathed, inspired word, a word that is available whenever we need it. During our struggles we can find words of comfort and encouragement at our fingertips. 

Today, if you find yourself asking, “Where is God?” Remember the words of Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” This verse reminds me of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt.  When they came to an impossible place at the banks of the River Jordan, when they felt utterly alone, God miraculously came through for them. We can safely assume that when we come to a place in life where there seems to be no answer, our loving God has similar advice for us, “Trust me, I will be with you.” Remember also, the invitation in Hebrews 4:16: "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

In those instances where we do not get an answer to our critical question we can, by faith, trust that our loving God is always with us, and we can approach his throne with confidence certain of his mercy and grace in our hour of need.