Dear God…Why

Published August 05th, 2025

 

The Bible acknowledges the reality of pain and trauma in a fallen world. It offers various perspectives on why God allows it, even while affirming His ultimate goodness, love, and sovereignty. It's a complex topic, and scripture doesn't provide a single, simple answer, but rather a multifaceted understanding.

Genesis 3:16-19: This passage describes the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience (the Fall) – pain in childbirth, toil in labor, and ultimately death. Suffering entered the world through sin, and we live in a world that is broken as a result.

Romans 8:20-22: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now." This speaks to the groaning of creation under the weight of sin.

John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Jesus Himself stated that trouble is a reality in this world.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This foundational verse promises that God can bring good out of all circumstances, even painful ones, for those who love Him. This doesn't mean pain is good in itself, but that God can redeem it.

Genesis 50:20: (Joseph speaking to his brothers who wronged him) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This shows God's ability to use evil intentions for His redemptive purposes.

Job 13:15: "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him..." (NIV) or "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (KJV). Job's story is a powerful testament to trusting God's sovereignty even when the reasons for suffering are unknown.

Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set ablaze." God promises His presence through suffering, not necessarily its absence.

Purposes for Pain and Trauma

Romans 5:3-5: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Suffering can be a crucible that refines us.

James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Trials are seen as a means to spiritual maturity.

1 Peter 1:6-7: "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." Pain can prove the authenticity of our faith.

Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." God disciplines those He loves, and this discipline can be painful but ultimately yields good fruit.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul's "thorn in the flesh" taught him to rely on God's strength, not his own.

Psalm 119:71: "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Suffering can drive us to seek God and His Word more deeply.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God." Our own experience of suffering and God's comfort can equip us to minister to others.

1 Peter 4:13: "But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." Sharing in suffering can deepen our fellowship with Christ.

God Hasn’t Given Up on Me Yet…

Healing

Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This gives us the ultimate hope that in the new heavens and new earth, all pain and trauma will be removed.

Romans 8:18: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Our current pain is temporary and incomparable to the eternal glory awaiting believers.

Isaiah 61:1-3: "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Joel 2:25: "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten..."

Psalm 19:7: "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul..."

2 Corinthians 4:16: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

Jeremiah 17:14: "Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."

It's important to remember that these verses do not mean God causes all pain directly as punishment, nor that suffering is always a sign of personal sin (as seen in John 9:2-3). Instead, they offer perspective on how God is present in, and can work through, the brokenness of the world to bring about His larger, redemptive purposes.

When dealing with trauma, it's crucial to remember that biblical healing often involves a process. It may include lamenting, grieving, forgiveness, and sometimes professional support alongside spiritual care. God's Word provides the foundation for hope, comfort, and the ultimate promise of restoration.

Has this perspective sparked a curiosity or a desire to learn how you or someone you care about can benefit from such an approach? I am here to offer guidance and support every step of the way. Take that crucial first step by reaching out today to [email protected]. I am prepared to assist you in navigating the path to recovery and personal growth.