Unanswerable Questions

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:5-8(NRSV)

Cynthia Mary Kroll lives in Oregon. On a July morning, two police officers came to their home. With regret they informed them that their 23-year-old son had committed suicide. Deep sorrow broke their hearts. They struggled against such an enormous loss and asked, "Why did this happen?" Why did their son do this to himself?" They asked God, "Why did you allow this to take place?" They wanted to understand. Though they kept repeating the questions, they found no answers.

When Cynthia asked for help, God revealed to her through Psalm 91 what she needed most: to rest in God's presence and trust in God's love and goodness. Cynthia knew that this was possible only through a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus. Reading scripture gave her strength to go on. In prayer, she poured out her heart to Jesus. In time, she came to a place of peace, and the tormenting questions lost their power over her.

Most of us have experienced an event in our lives with more questions than answers. In the face of unanswerable questions, Jesus is present to help. When we seek him in scripture, reflect on his love, and obey his commandments day by day, we will find rest for our troubled spirit.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to remember that only you can provide for us a place of needed rest and refuge, in Jesus' name. Amen.