Few topics are discussed as persistently as the so-called “theodicy problem.” It might be an unfamiliar word, but you know the question: How can God be called just when so many unjust things happen to innocent people? Daily, so many bad things happen, not only to innocent people but also to those who serve God, that we must ask: Is God who we think God is? Is God the God of love? Is God truly omnipotent? Is God truly in control? Where is God when we really need God?
This is not a modern problem! The oldest book in the Bible—the book of Job—asks this question right from the first page. Over and over, prophets have referred to Job’s struggle, and millennia later, James wrote: “You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:10). However, the problem is that there is a great unfairness in this “abundance” of God if the innocent have to suffer. When bad things happen to good people, especially when God seemingly allows it, haven’t you yourself cried out to the heavens and shouted, “Why, Lord, why?” I have!
Therefore, I understand why people might wonder, what kind of God is this that hands over His most dedicated follower (Job) to Satan with the words, “Very well, then, he is in your hands” (Job 2:7).
Don’t be afraid—we are allowed to ask these questions! Maybe God actually wants us to ask these questions. Perhaps these are the kinds of questions that, as the writer of Hebrews says, help us to move away from the milk diet and start eating the “solid food for the mature” (Hebrews 5:14).
PRAYER: May I honestly confess, my Lord, that I don’t always have answers to these questions.
MUSIC:
“Precious Lord” performed by Pro Cantu Youth Choir and Alumni under the direction of Leon Starker. Performed at the Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium, Cape Town. In 2012, Pro Cantu changed its name to Cape Town Youth Choir.