This is a question that has been asked since the beginning of time. It is a question that is often asked in times like these. In other times it is asked of those who seem to think that a horrific occurrence has happened that God should have, in their opinion been stopped or prevented.  Many times, it is addressed to persons who represent the Holy. As if we are supposed to have some divine answer.

This insight also applies to times of struggle in our own lives. In times of trouble, we tend to rely upon emotions. These emotions question whether God is really there because He does not appear to be at work during our struggle.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

God is omnipresent, He is in all places at all times.  “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” The answer is that a person can never run from God because He is ever present. Jeremiah 23:24 says, “Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the LORD.”

But if God is always present, where is God when it hurts and life is difficult? There is a tendency among Christians to view any thing unpleasant that happens to them as the result of “spiritual warfare.” When a difficulty arises, many immediately ask God to remove their distress.

At times the Bible also speaks about where God is in more specific terms. He is often mentioned as dwelling in heaven. In addition, God has revealed Himself visibly in a variety of ways. Some of these include God’s appearance to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3) and His presence with the Israelites in the wilderness.

In the New Testament, Jesus comes to earth as the second Person of the Triune God to reveal God to humanity. John 1:1 defines Jesus as the “Word” and calls Him God. John 1:14 shares, “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the father, full of grace and truth.” He lived, died, rose again, and ascended to the Father in heaven.

In times when God feels distant, we can continue to trust that He is there, that He loves us, and has a purpose for our lives. We can rest in His promises from His Word, knowing that His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).