When life hurts, it’s natural to wonder where God is. Pain can make God feel distant, silent, or even absent. If you’re asking questions like “God, do You see me?” or “Why is this happening?” — you’re not alone. The Bible is full of real people who wrestled with the same questions.
Sometimes we expect faith to mean we won’t hurt. But Jesus never promised a life without trouble. Instead, He promised something even better: His presence with us in every season — even the painful ones.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He acknowledges that hardship is part of life, but He also offers Himself as our source of courage, comfort, and hope.
Pain can cloud our vision, but it doesn’t change God’s position. He is still near. He is still good. He is still working — often in ways we can’t yet see.
God Is Closer Than You Think
When we’re hurting, it can feel like God is far away. But Scripture paints a very different picture.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God isn’t just aware of your pain — He draws closer in it.
Imagine a loving parent bending down to comfort a child who’s fallen. That’s a glimpse of God’s heart for you in your hurting. He bends low. He draws near. He holds you when you don’t have the strength to stand. You may not feel Him right now — but feelings are not the measure of His presence. His Word is. And His Word says: You are never alone.
Why Does God Allow Pain?
This is one of the hardest questions for any believer. There are no easy answers. But what we do know from Scripture is that pain in this life is not meaningless.
Sometimes, pain sharpens our hearts to hear God more clearly. Sometimes, suffering grows compassion, character, or a strength we didn’t know we needed. Sometimes, it’s simply the result of living in a broken world — but even then, God redeems it.
Romans 8:28 reminds us, “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.” It doesn’t say everything is good. It says God works through everything for good. That means even your hurting is not wasted.
How to Find God in the Pain
Finding God when you’re hurting isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about being honest with Him — bringing your questions, your anger, your sorrow, and your exhaustion to Him.
You can tell God everything. He isn’t scared off by your doubts or your tears. Pray, even if all you can manage are a few raw words. Open your Bible, even if it’s just for a verse or two. Reach out to someone who can pray for you when you can’t pray for yourself.
God often shows His love through His people, His Word, and even through the quiet moments when your heart finally exhales in His presence. Healing might take time. Answers might take time. But God is patient, God is present, and God is faithful — every step of the way.
