Looking For God

AM Psalm [70], 71 • PM Psalm 74
Ecclus. 44:1-15 • Rev. 16:12-21 • Luke 13:18-30

In Psalm 74, we find a contemplation of Asaph, one of three Temple singers assigned by King David to the Temple at Jerusalem. It was written during the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people, after the destruction of the Temple. It is at times a lament that God has forsaken His people, and that He seems to be silent in the face of their suffering. Yet it also expresses stalwart faith in “…God…my King from of old...”

The psalm praises God as the creator of day and night, summer and winter, and exhorts the poor and the needy to praise His name.

There is a great message for us in this psalm. There seem to be instances throughout history where God seems to be absent in the face of human suffering. One can cite as examples the Holocaust, the Covid pandemic, and the aggression in Ukraine. We may even get angry at God.

Yet it is in the face of such calamities that we must remember the One who parted the sea, gave the Jewish people a long-sought home, and inspired scientists to create Covid vaccines at what is considered breakneck speed. 

I am still upset when I see the wanton violence in Ukraine. I can get angry with God. But one must remember the question: “Where was God during the Holocaust?” And the responsive question: “Where was man?”

Written by Christopher Koppel

Christopher is happy to be spending his retirement in Fayetteville, with his husband, Dennis, and his pooch, Milo.