A case for 'Both'

Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Psalm 145:18-19 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;
he also hears their cry, and saves them.

Observation: This is our hope and often our belief. It is also our prayer.

Application: I deeply care about some people in other contexts who are going through some particularly difficult times right now—situations with no easy answers, loads of difficult questions, and tons of anxiety—particularly in light of the unknown. I can’t help but wonder how they would read/interpret the verses above. Would they find in them great hope and assurance or would they be inclined to cry out “then where are you, O Lord?”

As with many things in life, perhaps it’s not an either/or question. Perhaps the answer is “both.”

I must admit that I sometimes wonder where the Almighty is in regard to the mind-boggling experiences that some people go through. At the same time I find myself crying out to our Lord. It’s ironic. I wonder…but still I pray. I pray…but still I wonder.

Some might surmise that I’m simply hedging my bets—as if I’m not sure if God is there yet praying just in case God is there. Perhaps. But somehow I still think it goes much deeper than that.

My faith is not restricted to the assumption that I know best or even deserve the best. Nor is it limited to an understanding of God perched above the struggle. Through pain, death, and life again our Lord proved divine love for us. In pain, death, and the promise of life again I trust in our Lord’s presence.

But it still hurts.

Sure, I find great hope and assurance in the verses above. But I also wonder, “where are you, O Lord?” Both. Almost always, both.

Prayer: Lord, be with those who are especially struggling now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Scripture Readings today included: Ezekiel 38-39, Psalm 145, and Revelation 20)