Feb
6
Written by:
host
2/6/2009 7:00 AM
It was while reading a Biblical commentary on Isaiah 40:21-31 that the title of this reflection came into my mind. “Logic does not work on a two-year old.” When my children were toddlers, I often tested this saying. My son or daughter would begin to throw a fit and I would patiently (well, maybe not always patiently…) explain the reasons behind the decision I had made. Those of you who have tried this exercise will recognize its futility.
At the end of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, God is responding to complaints from the people of Israel that God has forgotten them. Whining appears to have been a frequent pastime of God’s people in Biblical times since complaining against God is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. In addressing these complaints, God does not attempt to refute the argument. There is no attempt on God’s part to explain why the people are experiencing difficulties. No reasons for current circumstances are provided.
Instead, God offers reassurance. “I am God. I understand. I will comfort you when you are exhausted and weary. I will lift you up as on eagles’ wings. I will renew your strength.”
I admit that I do my share of complaining to God. “Why?” I find myself crying. Or, “It isn’t fair! It doesn’t make sense.” There are many injustices in God’s world that I want God to explain.
I don’t find the answers and explanations that I seek to all of the questions I ask of God. But I do find God’s reassurance to be comforting. This weekend, let yourself be comforted by the constant, enduring presence of God in your life.
~Sally Hoelscher