given freely

how often we succumb to the lie that He has abandoned us, that He has left us alone. the pain and sorrow so deep and severe He couldn't possible be near. we cry out "why oh Lord have you forsaken me?"

be strong and courageous. do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
deu 31:6

why are we so easily deceived? He will NEVER leave you or forsake you, His creation, His child, His bride, His beloved. do we not trust His promise? do we not trust His word?

in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
john 1:1-2

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
john 14:6

we think our questions are ignored or go unheard, but again we deceive ourselves.

ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. for everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
matthew 7:7-8

job was accredited righteousness by God. he cried to God in his anguish, pain, and sorrow. he lacked wisdom, clarity, and understanding. so he asked, begged, and pleaded with God, "why!!?!?"

why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?
job 3:11

why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave?
job 3:20-22

why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?
job 3:23

and God answered job. but He answered job, just as He answers us.

where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
tell me, if you understand.
who marked off its dimensions? surely you know!
who stretched a measuring line across it?
job 38:4-5

who are you that you should question the ways of the Almighty God? who are you that you believe you know what's best? who are you to think you could fathom the depths of His wisdom and understanding? we are but dust; held together by Him and created for His purpose.

for by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
col 1:16-17

why do we not understand that He is and we are not? that His ways are not our ways. that His plan will bring about our ultimate joy and fulfillment.

consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
james 1:2-5

do we trust Him, do we trust His word? not just intellectually, but do we really live like that? in want or plenty, in sorrow or joy, do we cry Blessed be His name?

but He said to me, "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 cor 12:9

do we know, believe and live, that He is enough? that He is adequate...

and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
romans 8:28

when I lay these questions before God I get no answer. but a rather special sort of "no answer." it is not the locked door. it is more like a silent, certainly not uncompassionate gaze. as though He shook His head not in refusal but in waving the question. like, "Peace, child, you don't understand."
cs lewis "a grief observed"