But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. (vv. 8-9, New International Version)
GOD IS THERE FOR US
Why me, Lord? Are you there, God? These are questions we all ask, especially during difficult situations.
I received a phone call that my sister-in-law was brain dead after giving birth to twins. My first reaction was to call the church, because I simply could not process the eventual death of this incredible woman. And my thoughts as I spoke to our associate minister were simply "Why?"
In the first 24 hours after the news, I leaned on my extended family in Wichita, including friends at church. I knew prayers of support were being sent out for me. But I didn’t understand why God felt it necessary to take this particular life. And I didn’t feel able to send out my own prayers seeking God’s support. My brain was numb.
When my family and I reached Houston, we were swept up by our two church families there. Hosanna Lutheran was the church I was confirmed in, and Spirit of Joy Lutheran was my parents’ new church home. As my family helped my brother meet the day-to-day needs of his 3-year-old and newborn twin daughters, these church families supported our individual needs. I knew these church friends, as well as those back home in Wichita, were praying for support for my family and me. I knew this even as I still questioned "Why?"
Somewhere along the way, I stopped asking why and simply accepted God’s presence. He had been there whether I wanted his presence or not. He just was, and for that I am thankful.
Dear Lord, when you invited me into your love, you never told me what I could expect in my day-to-day living except that you would be there. Thank you.
Karen Vlamis
