Have you ever wondered where is God when you are going through a hard time? Have you ever asked Him why He allows bad things to happen to you or to someone you love? Have you ever felt abandoned, betrayed, or forgotten by God when you needed Him the most?
If you have, you are not alone. Many people struggle with these questions, especially when they face pain and suffering in their lives. Pain and suffering are inevitable realities of living in a fallen world. We all experience them in different ways and degrees, such as illness, injury, loss, grief, abuse, injustice, oppression, persecution, loneliness, fear, doubt, guilt, shame, and more.
But where is God in the midst of our pain and suffering? Does He care? Does He see? Does He hear? Does He help? Does He heal? Does He have a purpose for our pain and suffering? How can we trust Him when we don’t understand His ways?
In this article, we will explore these questions from a biblical perspective and see how God reveals Himself to us in our pain and suffering. We will also see how we can respond to Him in faith and hope, even when we don’t feel His presence or see His plan.
Where is God When a Child Suffers?
One of the most heartbreaking forms of pain and suffering is when a child suffers. Whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual suffering, we cannot help but feel angry, sad, and confused when we see an innocent child suffer. We wonder why God would allow such a thing to happen. We wonder how He could be good and loving when He seems to be silent and distant.
The Bible does not give us a simple or easy answer to this question. It does not explain why God allows each specific case of child suffering. It does not justify or minimize the evil and injustice that cause child suffering. It does not deny or ignore the reality and intensity of child suffering.
But the Bible does give us some truths that can help us trust God when a child suffers. Here are some of them:
- God loves children. The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), that He knows them by name (Isaiah 43:1), that He cares for them (Matthew 18:10–14), that He blesses them (Mark 10:13–16), that He values them (Matthew 18:1-6), that He defends them (Psalm 10:17–18), that He saves them (Matthew 19:14), and that He has a plan for them (Jeremiah 29:11). God loves children more than we do, and He wants what is best for them.
- God suffers with children. The Bible tells us that God is not indifferent or detached from our pain and suffering. He is not aloof or uncaring. He is not distant or unreachable. He is not cold or harsh. He is not cruel or unjust. Rather, God is compassionate and merciful (Psalm 103:13–14), He is faithful and trustworthy (Deuteronomy 31:6), He is near and accessible (Psalm 34:18), He is gentle and kind (Isaiah 42:3), He is righteous and fair (Psalm 89:14). God suffers with us when we suffer, especially when a child suffers. He knows our pain and grief (Hebrews 4:15), He shares our sorrow and tears (John 11:33–35), He comforts our hearts and minds (2 Corinthians 1:3–4), and He heals our wounds and restores our souls (Psalm 147:3).
- God works through children’s suffering. The Bible tells us that God is not powerless or passive in the face of evil and suffering. He is not defeated or overwhelmed. He is not surprised or outsmarted. He is not frustrated or disappointed. Rather, God is sovereign and active (Psalm 115:3), He is victorious and triumphant (Romans 8:37), He is wise and purposeful (Romans 8:28), and He is good and gracious (Psalm 145:9). God works through our pain and suffering, even through a child’s suffering, to accomplish His will and glory. He uses our pain and suffering to test our faith and refine our character (James 1:2–4), to discipline us and train us in righteousness (Hebrews 12:5–11), to reveal His power and grace in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10), to draw us closer to Him and make us more like Him (Romans 8:29).
Where is God When It Hurts?
Another common form of pain and suffering is when we experience physical pain and illness. Whether it is a minor injury or a chronic disease, whether it is a temporary condition or a terminal diagnosis, whether it is a personal affliction or a global pandemic, we all know what it means to suffer physically. We feel the pain in our bodies, we endure the limitations of our health, and we face the uncertainty of our future.
But where is God when it hurts? Does He heal? Does He deliver? Does He provide? Does He protect? Does He have a reason for our pain and illness? How can we cope with our pain and illness?
The Bible does not give us a formula or a guarantee for physical healing. It does not promise that God will heal every sickness or remove every pain. It does not explain why God heals some people and not others. It does not prescribe a specific method or condition for healing. It does not deny or ignore the reality and severity of physical pain and illness.
But the Bible does give us some principles that can help us trust God when it hurts. Here are some of them:
- God is the source of life and health. The Bible tells us that God is the creator and sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16–17), that He gives life and breath to everything (Acts 17:25), that He upholds all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3), that He is the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26), and that He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). God is the source of all life and health, and He has the power and authority to heal any disease and restore any health.
- God is the healer of our souls. The Bible tells us that God is not only concerned about our physical well-being but also about our spiritual well-being. He is not only interested in healing our bodies but also in healing our souls. He is not only able to cure our diseases but also to forgive our sins. He is not only willing to restore our health but also to renew our hearts. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners who need God’s grace and mercy (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1–5), that we are all broken and wounded by sin and its consequences (Isaiah 53:5–6, Psalm 51:17), and that we are all in need of God’s salvation and healing (Psalm 103:2–4, Isaiah 61:1–3). God is the healer of our souls, and He offers us eternal life and peace through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16, Romans 5:1).
- God is the helper of our faith. The Bible tells us that God is not only able to heal us physically and spiritually but also to help us grow in faith and hope. He is not only interested in changing our circumstances but also in changing our perspective. He is not only able to do miracles but also to work in us and through us. He is not only willing to give us what we want, but also what we need. The Bible tells us that we are called to live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), that we are to trust God’s promises and not our feelings (Hebrews 11:1), that we are to rejoice in hope and not in despair (Romans 12:12), and that we are to count it all joy when we face trials and not when we avoid them (James 1:2). God is the helper of our faith, and He strengthens us and sustains us by His Spirit (Ephesians 3:16–19).
Where is God When Bad Things Happen?
Another frequent form of pain and suffering is when we encounter evil and injustice in the world. Whether it is war, violence, crime, oppression, corruption, discrimination, abuse, exploitation, terrorism, or natural disasters, we all witness or experience bad things happening in the world. We feel the anger, fear, sadness, and frustration that come with living in a broken world. We wonder why God allows evil and injustice to exist. We wonder how He can be good and just when He seems to be absent or inactive.
The Bible does not give us a comprehensive or satisfying answer to this question. It does not explain why God permits each specific case of evil and injustice. It does not justify or minimize the wickedness and suffering that result from evil and injustice. It does not deny or ignore the reality and magnitude of evil and injustice.
But the Bible does give us some truths that can help us trust God when bad things happen. Here are some of them:
- God hates evil and injustice. The Bible tells us that God is holy and righteous (Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 145:17) and that He loves justice and hates wickedness (Psalm 33:5, Psalm 45:7).
- God is sovereign and has a purpose for everything. The Bible tells us that God is in control of everything (Psalm 103:19, Daniel 4:35), that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and that He has a plan for the world and for each person (Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 1:11). We may not understand or agree with His ways, but we can trust that He knows what He is doing and that He has a good reason for everything He does or allows.
- God is compassionate and cares for us. The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8, 16), that He is merciful and gracious (Psalm 103:8, Exodus 34:6), that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 57:15). He knows our pain and suffering, and He sympathizes with us (Hebrews 4:15, Psalm 56:8). He comforts us in our troubles, and He gives us hope and peace (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, John 14:27).
- God is faithful and will not abandon us. The Bible tells us that God is faithful and true (Deuteronomy 7:9, Revelation 19:11), that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6), and that He will be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20, Isaiah 41:10). He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and He will provide a way out of every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will not let the righteous fall, and He will uphold them with His hand (Psalm 37:24, Psalm 55:22).
- God is powerful and will overcome evil and injustice. The Bible tells us that God is almighty and nothing is impossible for Him (Genesis 17:1, Luke 1:37), that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and that no one can stand against Him (Revelation 19:16, Romans 8:31). He will judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous (Psalm 96:13, Psalm 37:6). He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and He will make all things new (Revelation 21:4-5). He will destroy death and the devil, and He will reign forever and ever (Revelation 20:10–14, Revelation 22:5).
These are some of the biblical truths that can help us trust God when bad things happen. They do not answer all our questions or solve all our problems. They do not eliminate our pain or suffering. But they can give us hope and confidence in God’s character and promises. They can remind us that God is with us, for us, and in us. They can encourage us to keep following Him, loving Him, and serving Him.
Where is God right now? The Bible tells us that God is everywhere (Psalm 139:7–12, Jeremiah 23:23–24). He is not limited by time or space. He fills heaven and earth with His presence. He sees everything that happens in the world. He hears every prayer that we pray. He knows every thought that we think. He is closer to us than we can imagine.
Where is God when I’m scared? The Bible tells us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He is our protector and defender, our shield and fortress, our rock and salvation (Psalm 18:2). He is our light and salvation, whom shall we fear? He is the stronghold of our life, of whom shall we be afraid? (Psalm 27:1). When we are scared, we can call on Him, trust in Him, cling to Him. He will deliver us from our fears. He will give us courage and strength. He will be with us always.
I hope this blog post has helped address these questions and that you will find comfort in knowing that you are not alone in asking them. The search for God’s presence in times of suffering and fear is a deeply personal journey, and it is natural to question and seek answers. While we may not have all the answers, it is important to remember that God’s love and compassion are ever-present, even in the midst of pain and uncertainty. So, let us continue to seek solace in prayer, find support from our communities, and trust that God is with us, offering strength and guidance through every trial we face.
