The Presence of God during Existential Times

Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Columnist

Life is messy, as the book is entitled. We live with the ebb and flow of Life. We celebrate each other, we mourn with each other, and we pray with each other. During existential times we need a power beyond ourselves. We need the unmoved-mover God to address our existential circumstances.

First, our existence is not always without suffering and pain. We often ask, “Why do I have to suffer?” “Why do I have to experience this pain?”

We do not suffer alone; God suffers with us. The pathos of God pains us with our suffering. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

When we suffer from our existential experiences, God travels the road with us. The Lord does not sleep on us or slumber on us. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:2-4) We are not alone in our suffering during our creature existence.

Second, in our deepest place of sorrow, we can feel the presence of God. Although I am not an observer in this existential place, I was an active participant in the place of sorrow. My victory came when I asked for God’s presence in my situation. As the late Bishop Gomez wrote, “Walking in Darkness with God,” If I must walk in darkness, let me walk with God. My family was there, and my colleagues were kind, but God walked with me every step of the way. I needed some sunshine, and God provided the sunshine just in time.

Last, we can be assured that our existential times are not too big for our God. As a young man growing up in Florida, I would hear my Pastor say in a sermon,” God is so big we can not get around God, so big we cannot get over God.” I heard it as an immature Christian, but since “I have crossed many rivers” (Mandela). I know the saving power of this big God. Even in the crucible of pain and hurt, God breaks through to save us, protect us, and guide us.