note to God

have you heard this song? it's sung by a gal named Charice whom i have heard some of in the past, but did not know she had reached such acclaim. she performed her song "note to God" on Oprah some time ago, and mesmerizes as she emotionally enters into the words of her own song. i've been hearing more and more stories recently of people's private and personal pain, and how it immediately beckons the question: where is God when we hurt? or why does God allow so much hurt.

it's the most troubling question to engage when you're a person who worships God, because i have to admit that i wrestle with the same reality of painful experiences, and often perpetual ongoing sadnesses and sicknesses. there are no easy answers, and i recognize that it may appear foolish to worship a God who scripture says is completely in control and yet, seems to allow so many evils and death to run rampant.

i'm not going to attempt to solve that conundrum today because it would take too long, and besides...i can't. the thought that came to me and that i'd share is...maybe part of the answer is found by communicating what is really going on inside of us in prayer. i'm not necessarily suggesting getting down on your knees and talking out loud to a God you may not even believe in, but i am suggesting you begin the conversation in your own way. some curl up in the bathtub and just cry, allowing their tears to be their unspoken emotions and words to God. or maybe you're just flat angry and the best way to connect to God is to get in your car and drive to a secluded place where no one can hear you screaming at the top of your lungs. creative types might pull up an empty chair and imagine Jesus sitting there, then they just talk to the chair. and one of the most effective ways to speak with God is to just write it all down. start with "Dear God."

one thing is for sure, you rarely find relief you're not looking for, you don't often hear from anyone you're not speaking to, and you'll likely miss the answer you're seeking if you're not asking the question in the first place. i believe God honors the hard questions we ask by revealing Himself to those who dare to trust Him with what we really want the answer to. He knows what we're stewing over, brokenhearted about, and numb to. He isn't shocked by our emotional response to injustice, it's a part of how He's made us and many times it is our reactions to pain that act as a catalyst, launching us into the unseen realm of conversation with the invisible God.