Psalm 10 asks the age old question Job asked and we’ve all asked at times. “Where is God when the righteous suffer.” If God is so good why isn’t He here to help me or others when we need him most? Where is God? I remember Bett Midler’s song, “From a Distance.” God is watching us from a distance she sang. I’ve heard God referred to as a higher power or the man upstairs.

Suffering is a part of life. When man sinned God filled the world with thorns and thistles to make our way difficult. He added “labor” to gathering food for Adam. He added “labor” for delivering children for Eve. Death and all its associated struggles are just a part of life for every person. God allowed Cain to bludgeon his brother Abel to death.

But God is not far off! He is here. The angel announced the birth of Jesus saying that he is the “Immanuel” or “God with Us.” He came to us in the person of His Son, Jesus, who lived with us in the land filled with thorns and thistles and pain and death. He suffered in every imaginable way.

When I was a child I was plagued with ear aches. Sometimes I would be in pain all night long. I would wake up crying and run to my mother. My mom would warm up some ear drops and hold me on her lap, put them in my ear, and rock me until I went to sleep. I can still remember that nearly 60 years later.

Jesus’ brother, James, tells us that if we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8). Jesus looked out over the world of suffering people and said how much he wanted to draw them under his wings to comfort and care for them. Does that give you a picture of being cuddled? It should – God longs to cuddle you in His arms. Where is God? He’s waiting in the rocking chair.

Chuck
Memory Verse: Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. (Psalm 1:1)