Need more clarity, hope and a sense of calm confidence? Looking for answers during uncertain times? Then be sure you’re asking the right questions.
In the Bible, God not only provides us with the right answers, but the right questions, too. You can find these lined up in Psalm 42, as if it is written for this moment.
“When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42:2)
We’re all waiting for this outbreak to end so that we can get back to our normal lives. When will it end? When can we be freed? When can we go back to church? When can we find some peace and enjoy a little prosperity again?
There’s something special about finding God and his blessings during routine times like Sunday morning church. Or in special moments of life such as a graduation or a wedding.
However, God is not waiting until COVID-19 is over to bless you, smile on you with his grace, and give you enduring peace. Some of God’s blessings can only be found during a storm.
“Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:3)
If a virus is out of control, how can an all-powerful God be here and in control of the situation? Unless he is also an all-wise God.
God wisely allows a virus to be out of control. Then we pay attention to what is most important—life defined by truths that are not tethered to this world (Matthew 6:33). We learn more about ourselves and God—humanity is not the master of our universe but a perfect and present God is (Psalm 139). And we’re positioned to change for the better (James 1:2-4).
God is here. If you don’t see him, then you’re looking for the wrong god.
“Why, my soul, are you so downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 42:5)
This question is so raw and real. It’s a great question to ask. It shows a person who is in tune with their emotions and their spiritual self.
You need to be able to ask yourself, “Why am I feeling angry?” or “Why am I feeling afraid?” or “Why am I so disturbed about this?” Train yourself to identify your feelings, but more than that. Learn how your feelings connect with your faith.
That brings us to the grand finale question. We’ve asked when, where and why. The final question is really more of an answer to all these questions.
Who is God?
God’s person and character. God’s essence and trail of decisions and deeds over history. These are the answers he wants us to discover during a time full of questions.
“My soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1). He’s not a random force emitting energy throughout creation. God is a relational being. He is committed to you, loyal to you, and so personally form fitted for you that you can call him “mine.” More than that, you can want him and need him like thirsting for water when parched.
“My soul thirsts for the living God” (Psalm 42:2). Idols are carved of wood or stone, but God is alive and active. Jesus rose from the tomb because God is not dead.
God is “the Mighty One” (Psalm 42:4), “the Lord … the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8), “my Rock” (Psalm 42:9), and “my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5,11). Don’t these all answer the other three questions?
Meditate on God today. Turn your thoughts from the “what if” scenarios and the “how can this be” disappointments. Ask the best question of all: “Who is God?”
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for listening. Thank you for patiently accepting all my questions. And thank you for answering them clearly and convincingly by just being who you are. I need more of you today. Amen.
Further Meditation
Well, read Psalm 42, right? Take it slow. Pray about it first, seeking answers to these questions. Let God speak in his Word.
