Where is God in the midst of pain?

God is not absent in the suffering of His people. Psalm 34:18 says that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and Hebrews 13:5 assures believers that He will never leave or forsake them.

Why can God feel distant during suffering?

Pain and suffering can affect how Christians perceive their circumstances and God's presence. Feelings are real, but they are not always reliable. Scripture provides a more stable foundation by reminding believers of God's unchanging promises.

What should Christians do when God feels distant?

Christians should be honest about their pain, return to the truth of God's Word, trust that God's presence is real even when it is not felt, and continue seeking Him in the midst of the struggle.

Is God still working when we cannot see what He is doing?

Yes. God is not passive in the suffering of His people. He remains faithful and purposeful, shaping, refining, and drawing His people closer to Himself even during difficult and confusing seasons.

What does Psalm 34:18 teach about suffering?

Psalm 34:18 teaches that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. It assures suffering believers that God has not abandoned them in their pain.

God Is Near in the Midst of Pain

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read

Pain can make it seem as though God is distant, silent, or absent. Yet Scripture assures Christians that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and that He will never leave or forsake His people.In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins explains why believers must anchor themselves in God’s promises rather than allowing painful circumstances or overwhelming emotions to define what is true.God’s presence does not depend upon whether we can feel it. He remains near, faithful, and actively at work in the lives of His people. Christians can honestly acknowledge their pain while continuing to seek the Lord, trust His Word, and walk by faith rather than sight.

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In This Episode

Why suffering can affect how Christians perceive God
Why feelings are real but not always reliable
How God’s Word anchors believers in painful seasons
What to do when God feels distant
Why Christians can trust that God remains present and faithful

Key Scriptures

Psalm 34:18
Hebrews 13:5
2 Corinthians 5:7

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If this episode encouraged you, explore more biblical answers to important questions on the Contending for the Word Q&A page and watch the complete Q&A playlist on YouTube.Explore Contending for the Word Q&A Watch the Contending for the Word Q&A Playlist

Dave Jenkins( Executive Director )

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.

Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.

He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).

You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.

When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.

Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

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