Finding God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

When life brings unimaginable pain, and understanding feels out of reach, it’s natural to ask, “Where is God in this?” You may have noticed that this month’s devotionals center on the Holy Spirit’s gift of understanding—a gift that brings clarity and insight into God’s truths. But what about those moments when no amount of understanding can explain what we’re going through? My Facebook feed has been heavy with heartbreaking stories: parents losing children, devastating fires, children grieving parents, sickness, death, job loss, and brokenness that defies explanation. These situations make it hard to find the answers we long for.

In these moments, it’s important to remember that God is not absent, even when we can’t make sense of our circumstances. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." God’s presence isn’t dependent on our ability to understand what’s happening. He is near, offering comfort, love, and strength, even when our hearts are shattered and our minds are overwhelmed.

When Jesus walked on earth, He never promised that life would be easy. In John 16:33, He told His disciples, "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Our faith does not exempt us from pain; instead, it equips us to face it with the assurance that God walks with us through every trial. Understanding may not come, but His peace and presence are constant, even in the most difficult seasons.

Sometimes, the gift of the Holy Spirit is not understanding why something happened, but understanding who God is in the midst of it. He is our refuge, our strength, our ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He doesn’t promise to explain everything, but He promises to never leave us or forsake us. When life feels unbearable, He invites us to lean on Him, trusting that He sees the bigger picture and holds us in His hands.

It’s okay to cry out to God with your questions, your doubts, and your pain. Job did. David did. Even Jesus, in His humanity, cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). God is not offended by our honesty. He welcomes it and meets us with compassion. He may not give us the answers we want, but He will give us Himself—His comfort, His love, and His sustaining grace.

As you navigate the things that seem incomprehensible, cling to the promises of God. He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28), even when we can’t see it. He is making all things new (Revelation 21:5), even when life feels broken beyond repair. And He is with you, even when understanding is nowhere to be found.

So, if you find yourself overwhelmed by life’s tragedies, remember that God is there. He’s not waiting for you to have it all figured out; He’s waiting for you to run to Him. Trust in His heart, even when you can’t see His hand. And know that the Holy Spirit’s gift of understanding doesn’t always mean clarity—it often means resting in the mystery and knowing that God is good, even when life isn’t.

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