There are times in our lives when we just need to cry out to God. When friends turn against us … when things don’t seem to go our way, or when we have been walking in a valley for what feels like a very, very long time, we sometimes just want to sit down and ask God, “Why me, Lord?”
It is hard to understand why people can treat other people so unjustly. It can break our heart and we wonder “Where is God in all of this?” So, we turn to God and we cry out. We let him know our gut feelings of what we see as injustice, and we might even cry “This isn’t fair!”
I believe our Lord is a just Lord. I believe he is a faithful God and that he has mercy on us. However, I also believe there are consequences to our actions. If you are a parent, you know that children can get in all kinds of trouble. Anything from disobedience to mischief. As parents, our job is to teach our children right from wrong. We do this by initiating consequences for their actions. It isn’t because we don’t love our children. In fact, it is quite the opposite. It is out of love that children are taught right from wrong. At the time, the child might not understand they are learning a lesson that will benefit them for years to come. We as parents show the children that they are loved even in the season of learning, so they never forget they are loved.
We, as children of God, must understand that God wants what is best for us. And our Lord loves us. He loves us enough to not leave us in a mess. It is our job as adults to take a look at our actions on a daily basis, and when we do that, we can bring our actions to the Lord and let him examine them. If there is anything in there that gives us a feeling of conviction, that may be a point in which God is trying to correct your course. Conviction is different than condemnation. Conviction gives us an opportunity to take a look at our actions and make amends or changes that are needed in order to better serve the Lord. God does not leave our side during this. He is right there with you the whole time. If you’re feeling condemnation, that is not the goal of taking a look at your daily actions.
Do not fear the Lord’s course correction. He’s your father and he wants to do what he can to give you the life he has promised you. Partner with him on it and don’t sit in a pit of sorrow, but instead rejoice at the hope that a new day will bring with the Lord fighting by your side. And the next time you ask “Why me, Lord?”, I pray that what you hear him say is “I love you, do not fear, I’m right here with you.”
Questions for reflection:
- When was the time you felt the Lord had left your side?
- In what ways have you asked God to seek revenge for you or just cried out to him asking “Why me, God?”
- Do you believe God is for you or against you, and why?