Quiet WatersSýnishorn

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil. (Psalm 23:3-4a)

Groaning in personal pain or loss 

Philip Yancey wrote a book titled ‘Where is God When it Hurts?’ (1999). The relevance of that question in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overemphasized. A common question being heard is, “Where is God when millions are suffering? Where is He as thousands are dying? Where is He as millions lose their jobs and livelihoods, as the world enters into a global economic recession?” There is pain, brokenness, and groaning at both personal and community levels across the entire world.

The first two chapters of the book of Job raise for us a number of questions. However, today we will focus on the responses that makes Job stand apart. 

Job 1: 20-22 – What makes a man—who loses that which is the most precious to him—fall in worship and bless the Lord? What can we learn from Job?

The second response is found in Job 2: 9, 10 – his wife—the closest of relationships perhaps—urges Job to turn away from God. What made Job respond the way he did? As human beings, we tend to ask, “Why me, God?” But Job teaches us to ask, “Why not me, God?” When we frame the question that way, our perspective changes and—amidst our personal suffering and loss—a holy lament arises. 

COVID-19 has killed and threatens to kill thousands more of our loved ones.  How do we handle this situation?  God encourages us to trust Him (Psalm 37:3-6) and not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34) because He is in control and knows what He is doing (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Be encouraged that this loving Shepherd is with us along our darkest paths and therefore we don’t need to be afraid.

Family activity - You will need a piece of paper and a pen. 

Take turns sharing the name of a family member or friend who is finding life difficult. Write their name on the piece of paper and draw a circle around them.

Now think about your community. Do you know someone in your community who is finding it difficult? Maybe they have lost their job or don’t have enough food. Write their names on the piece of paper and draw triangles around them.

Now think about your nation. Write down the names of your leaders and draw squares around them. They need our prayers in this difficult time.

Put this piece of paper somewhere you will see it often. You could choose one name a day to pray for, or maybe pray for all the circles one week, the triangles the next, and then the squares.