The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday August 8th, 2023 was written by Cynthia Mary Kroll of Oregon, USA
Scripture
5For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Psalms 62:5-8 NRSV
UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS
On a July morning, two police officers came to our home. With regret they informed us that our 23-year-old son had committed suicide. Deep sorrow broke our hearts. We struggled against such an enormous loss and asked. "Why did this happen? Why did our son do this to himself?" We asked God, "Why did you allow this to take place?" We wanted to understand. Though we kept repeating the questions, we found no answers.
When I asked for help, God revealed to me through Psalm 91 what I needed most: to rest in God's presence and trust in God's love and goodness. I knew that this was possible only through a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus. Reading scripture gave me strength to go on. In prayer, I poured out my heart to Jesus. In time, I came to a place of peace, and the tormenting questions lost their power over me.
Most of us have experienced an even in our lives that left us with more questions than answers. In the face of unanswered 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.
Thought for the Day
God loves hearing my questions.
Prayer
Dear God, help us to remember that only you can provide for us a place of needed rest and refuge. Amen.