Do you remember the children’s story about Alexander who had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? Judith Viorst’s tale spins on the almost comical happenings of Alexander’s somewhat ordinary day in which nothing seems to happen to his liking and much happens that frustrates any sense of personhood he had left. He contemplates running away to Australia but is cautioned by his mom that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days happen even in Australia. The story has survived decades of young listeners who related to its myriad of unmet expectations and who have grown up into adults who now realize that the fanciful happenings are all too indicative of the realities of life. Harder still are the harsh realities that come and stay for a season, or longer, and are complicated by the needs that seem to spiral out of control while God’s apparent silence meets the outcry of our hearts. Why do these things happen? Why does the wait seem so long? Why do needs pile up upon needs? Behind the “why” is also the searching, honest question that longs to know, how do I respond and what am I supposed to “do”?
Nancy Guthrie’s devotional book, The One Year Book of Hope, born out of the tragedies of her own life, points us to a biblical understanding of the “why?” Sometimes we reap the natural consequences of our own choices, decisions, or behaviors. Much comes simply because we live in a broken world. Like he afflicted Job, Satan can also afflict us. His lies can haunt us too, especially when God seems silent. God Himself can allow difficulties to enter our lives for the purpose of His discipline that conforms us more fully to the likeness of His Son. Nancy’s final reason for “why?” though captures my heart, for God chooses to redeem our sufferings and difficulties. He longs to use them for His glory, and to accomplish His purposes. He desires to bring good from them, to change our now-perspective to an eternal one, and to impact the lives of others.
Nancy’s understanding of the “why?” brings us to a sense of direction for the “how do I respond?” The “why” centers most on God, and our response must center on Him as well. How often I have encouraged those I teach to remember their own personal histories with God. He has not changed! His constant presence whispers to me in my darkness and His unfailing love and compassion strengthen and enable me. His faithfulness assures me of His promises and silences the lies of Satan. The path may be littered with disappointment and unmet expectations, but God graciously makes the path walkable. Easy? No. Possible? Yes! My enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?” Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!
(Related Bible reading: Psalm 42:1-11)
