Where Is God in Our Suffering?
As many of you know, I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling through Liberty University.
During this program, one of the most surprising and enlightening things I have learned is that skills or techniques are not the most important factors that make an effective counselor. Rather, the most powerful way of helping to facilitate healing, growth, and change in the lives of clients is a counselor’s way of sitting with hurting people.
This is known as presence.
Presence is a seemingly simple, yet powerful tool for creating a welcoming environment and building a trusting relationship.
During a recent course, I was given an assignment to read a book titled Embodying Integration by Megan Anna Neff and Mark McMinn. The text covers many difficult topics, including the presence of God during our suffering.
This is a topic with which I have first-hand experience, as many of us do.
When I lost my sight, I often asked myself, “Where is God?”
Honestly, in those early days, it did not feel like He was present, listening, or concerned about my pain.
Neff and McMinn argue, however, that God is present in our suffering. Just as He is present in our triumphs. Just as He has been present since the very beginning of creation.
The Bible open with pages flipping in the wind.
Why do we not acknowledge this presence?
I cannot speak for everyone, but, in my situation, it was because I was too caught up in my desires. When I was crying out to Him after losing my sight, it was for what I wanted. Healing, sight, a normal life.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with this. God willingly invites us to lament to Him about what our hearts desire and the pain we are experiencing.
However, I was ignoring a very important piece of the “grief puzzle.”
Consumed by my pain, I was ignoring the fact that God was there, suffering alongside me. He was fully present, inviting me to be comforted and strengthened through a relationship with Him.
It took me a long time to fully grasp this healing connection with God because I was too busy wondering why He was not giving me what I wanted.
The truth of the matter is that I may never know why God did not choose to heal me physically.
However, real faith takes a sense of contentment with the unclear aspects of life, and an even greater trust that God will comfort and strengthen you through those uncertain seasons.
I challenge you today to reflect on the following questions:
What is keeping you from acknowledging and appreciating God’s presence?
How can you intentionally lean into God’s presence today?
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