WHERE IS GOD?

Experiencing God in Troubling Times

Lesson One: Where is God?

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1

Troubling Times Bring about Questions

We are living in troubling times. Many are overwhelmed. Some are afraid and anxious. Others are confused to the point of not knowing what to do. There are questions that most people are asking are things like: Where is God? What is God doing/Why is this happening? How do I connect with God in this season? How would God have me act? We will answer these questions in this Bible study series.

Where is God?

Perhaps the biggest question on people’s minds right now is, where is God? It is a legitimate question. How do we answer this question from a biblical perspective? There are really only three possible answers: God is absent; God is distant and disinterested; or God is present and active. Let’s consider each of these answers from a biblical perspective.

God is absent

Does the Bible provide any evidence that God is absent during times of trouble?

Let’s consider the following passages:

Psalm 10:1

Psalm 22:1

Isaiah 49:14

What do these scriptures say about God being absent in times of trouble?

If we only consider these verses, it would be easy to conclude God is absent during times of trouble. In fact, God’s people have at times felt as though God was absent during times of trouble. If that is where you are at this time, may you gain a different perspective as we continue studying God’s word.

God is distant and disinterested

There are some who view God as distant and disinterested in times of trouble. They refuse to pray. They muddle their way through relying on their own strength. They feel disconnected and disheartened by all that is happening.

What does the Bible say about God being distant and disinterested in times of trouble?

Consider these passages:

Proverbs 15:29

Isaiah 59:2

John 9:31

What do these verses say about God being distant and disinterested during times of trouble?

When one says God is distant and disinterested, it may be true. God is not near the wicked. He is far from those who do evil. Also one’s perspective may cause one to view God as distant and disinterested. That was the case with the man born blind in John 9:31.

God is present and active

Finally let’s consider the possibility that God is present and active. This I submit is the truth concerning where God is in times of trouble. Let’s see if there is support for this position in the Bible.

Consider these scriptures:

Psalm 9:9 & 10

Psalm 34:18

Psalm 37:39

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 145:18

What do these scriptures reveal about God being present and active during times of trouble?