Where is your God? Thoughts from Psalm 42
In the context of the rapid escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with the drastic decline of the stock market where many retirement savings have disappeared virtually overnight, they ask me “Where is this god of yours?”
We cry out for help looking to government or experts to do something. “We’re learning as fast as we can, the world’s leading experts are on it.” We’re doing everything we know to do and at best we’re just slowing it down so our natural response when there’s no place left to turn is to panic.
When anxiety increases our rational takes a nosedive.
Where is our God?
How is it that I can so quickly forget God’s faithfulness and drive myself down into depression?
I find it easy to forget how faithful He’s been to me through so many troubles in the past. How He has demonstrated His immeasurable grace and love for me. How He mercifully forgives me and shows me each day that He loves me.
When wave after wave hits me, first one thing then another, I get overwhelmed and feel like I can’t take it anymore - that’s when I need to stop and remember the character of God. Day after day and night after night, He is unchanging and trustworthy. He has helped me, not out of all my troubles but through them. I actually reach the other side and learn something more about God having gone through it.
If I trust in the Markets with the attitude that “I’m alright, I’ve made wise investments, I don’t have to worry about the future, I’m set.” Then, when everything is turned upside down and oil prices race to the bottom and even gold prices decline, I can feel that everything I’ve trusted in has failed me; because it always will.
If I’m relying on how well I’m taking care of my body, I try to exercise, eat right and get as much sleep as I can. Then, this virus comes out of nowhere and I’m honestly afraid because there’s no cure; it just has to run it’s course and I have to ride it out. I lose my perceived control of my own body and suddenly— I’m vulnerable. I’m tempted to join my adversaries and say,“Where is God? He’s forgotten me and I’m left abandoned!”
Imagine, I’m accusing the One who holds my life in His hand, who gives me every breath and who is the only stability independent of every circumstance. I’m accusing Him of forgetting me and everybody else.
Why is it so hard for me to believe Him or trust what He says?
I honestly think I can see where my hope or confidence is a lot clearer when the carpet is pulled out from under me. When I’m staring at financial or even physical ruin who do I turn to? Who am I looking to for help and “salvation”?
There is a bigger picture.
When I ought to be running to my Rock— the source of life and stability, I find myself turning to everything else except Him. Of course, I need to save, spend and give wisely and practice the rules of good health and safety, but weather I’m sick or healthy— weather I’m poor or wealthy my only real security is in the character and nature of God! God is either Sovereign or not.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God: for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
Psalm 42:11
-Don Dolton
