Why Me?

child crying — Photo by Arwan Sutanto on Unsplash

1 Then Job answered: 2 "Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling! 4 I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would learn what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. 6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would give heed to me. 7 There the upright could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge. (Job 23:1-7)

People of faith have frequently been guilty of perpetuating the notion that suffering and tragedy are the result of, or punishment for, sin. Job's friends were earnest in their care and concern for Job, but their demands, that if only he'd repent all of his troubles would end, only added to Job's pain. For his part, Job maintained his innocence and believed that, since God was mistaken in this persecution, God would correct everything if only God would allow Job to plead his case. Job was further disturbed by God's silence in the midst of Job's pain.

God knows our end from our beginning. God knows that whatever storm we are in is temporary, but God gives us the space and the grace to cry out honestly - expressing our anger, pain, grief, guilt or whatever we are feeling. God is not distant or heartless, but patient and compassionate. Our creator knows the limitations of our understanding and, like a good parent, God loves us through every tear.

While sometimes the problems we encounter are consequences of our own actions or inaction, it's also true that sometimes there is no relationship between our behavior and our circumstances. It might seem like life would be much better if bad things only happened to bad people, but since we are all sinners none of us would be exempt from trouble. In fact, no one is exempt from trouble. Difficulties, hardship, and turmoil come for us all. But Jesus already paid for our sins on the cross - proving that God prefers to offer us love and grace even when we deserve punishment. We live in a fallen world, and nothing created will ever be as stable as the Creator. Rather than searching for the "why", we might be better served by clinging to the only One who never falls

but is always ready to catch us when we do.

6 My soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you

from the land of the Jordan,

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep

in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

have swept over me.

8 By day the Lord directs his love,

at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life.