Tragedy often causes us to question God. For some, the question of “Where were you, God?” drives them away from faith and into despair. Many people throughout the centuries have turned away from God in anger as a result of tragedy. Others find God in tragedy. We need look no further than the events of September 11, 2001 as a reminder that national tragedy drives people into churches looking for answers.
We rarely question God’s presence when things are going well. We assume that if life is good that God has blessed us, or in a more practical sense, if life is good, we just don’t have an immediate need of or for God. However, I would challenge you to question God’s presence when life is good. We have a need for God in the good times as well as the bad. Not only do we need God in the good times, we need to question the good times.
We must never assume that because life is going well, that we are in the will of God. Could it be that our greatest tests of faith are found, not in times of want, but in times of plenty. Perhaps it is easier to turn to the Lord when he is the only hope we have, and harder to lean upon him when we do not immediately see our need of him. We never ask “Where are you, God?” when things are good because if we are honest, we often do not care. We are not concerned with where God is as long as I am happy.
We must look for the Lord in good times and bad. Tragedies and trials are sure to come in this world and God is faithful and sure to stand beside us during those times, but God is also faithful in the good times. Good times or bad, God is always there. He has never left. We may stray, but he always stays. Look to the Lord today, no matter your circumstance. Praise him for the trials that draw you closer to him knowing that all things work together for the good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. Praise him for the blessings and bounty you experience, knowing that all gifts come from the Father of lights. Lean on him when you can’t stand on your own, and when you can stand, lean on him anyway remembering that pride comes before a fall. He is righteous, and he is near, lean upon him today.
