When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:19, ESV)

Have you ever had someone ask how a loving God could allow the heartbreaking things we see around us? To them, He either does not exist or has no power. When bad things happen, it’s easy to wonder, “Does God even see this mess? Does He care what’s happening?” The question becomes even more pertinent and personal if the bad things are happening to you or your family.

Is God in control of the mess?

No verse in the Bible says the exact words, “God is in control.” Yet, as we read His Word, we see this demonstrated over and over. When things seem to be spinning out of control, at least in our opinion, God does know what is happening. The problem isn’t with Him; it’s with our inability to understand how He will use those events to bring about His ultimate purpose. Job had this figured out when he said, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2, ESV).

I began to think of some of the “messes” I’d read about Scripture. Perhaps I’m being a bit fanciful when I imagine these men of the Bible saying, “God, do You see the mess I’m in?”

  • Mary and Joseph had just enjoyed the visit of the magi who brought their gifts to the Christ child. Now God is telling Joseph to take his young family and flee to another country in the dead of night. God, why this? Why now? This is a mess.
  • Peter stood outside Caiaphas’s palace and watched his friend, the Promised One, as Jesus was led before His accusers. God, I’m frightened with all that’s going on. Do You see this mess?

  • Paul, the converted persecutor of the church, the one who had evangelized on two continents, now sat in a Roman prison. God, this is a lonely and miserable place. Do You see this mess?

  • John, writer of the Book of Revelation, was exiled to the Greek isle of Patmos, a desolate place, because of his faith. God, this is a horrible place. I’m in a mess here!

Today, at this exact moment in time, our world is a mess. We have faced a pandemic, political unrest, acts of terrorism, economic upheaval, conflicts among nations, and natural disasters. God, this is a mess. Do You see what’s going on here?

Perhaps you are going through a time of personal turmoil and unrest. You may be experiencing financial difficulties, a wayward child, a broken relationship, a serious illness. You may feel you are facing this alone and ask, “Does God see this mess I’m in? Does He care?”

Yes, God really does care. When doubts assail, when the enemy laughs in scorn, trust Him. Remember the words of Job and remind yourself—His purposes for my life cannot be thwarted. God is working behind the scenes. He sees your mess, and He has it under control. Patiently wait and you will see the answer. You will understand His purpose in your life.

“Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17, ESV)

Thank You, Lord, for the confidence I have that You will bring me through these tough times. You will guide me into a place of safety and will never forsake me. You see the messes in my life and assure me that You care. I know Your plans for me will come to pass.

Author

Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.

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