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Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (ESV)

Have you ever shouted up at God: Why did You let this happen?

Or perhaps you’ve instead taken a deep breath and sighed, saying something like the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Some find this type of resignation brings a kind of relief–a comfort in trusting God.

Then again, sometimes that deep breath and sigh is a way of coping. Like, maybe deep down you are struggling to accept that God allowed your loss, but since you have such faith (and rightfully so) in a God who is in control, you also believe He can restore as well. Maybe you’re actually hoping that refraining from angry outbursts at the Lord places you in the right relationship with God to receive future blessings from Him?

It’s normal for a loss to have us grappling with questions about how goodness and tragedy work in God’s economy. But take heart in knowing a good strong walk with the Lord will bring clarity on why it is you can cry out in anger to God and still know you are not blaming Him.

As a matter of fact, God has a long history of His favorite followers shouting out in desperation to Him.

According to Scripture, David was a man after God’s own heart. And yet David never hesitated to express his frustration when things didn’t go his way: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 ESV. Take heart, sister, that just a few verses later, David is recognizing his love for God: “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6).

Jesus Himself cried out to the Heavenly Father during His crucifixion: “…My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”(Matt 27:46 ESV)

Cry out, sister. Don’t hold back. Ask God. You might even feel angry. He loves you. Do you think He can’t handle your outrage over losing your husband? He will not only handle it, but He will also embrace you and comfort you. Keep hope in the truth of Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Not understanding why our God Who is All-Knowing and All-Good and All-Powerful didn’t choose to keep you and your husband here alive and well together for longer doesn’t make God less powerful or good. And it doesn’t leave you ousted from God’s grace in His future will for your life.

But it does create a conversation with your Abba Father. Have that conversation, dear friend. Use your questions to draw you closer to your Creator because in Him you will find true comfort for your soul.

Dear Lord,

If someone out there is hurting and questioning “why me”, please meet her where she is with Your comfort. Help her use these doubts to draw closer to You and trust you, rather than sitting back in pain and simply wishing her circumstance never happened. Give her a true relationship in you to soothe her soul. Amen.