God said, “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’” Exodus 17:6-7

Moses may have been offended by the question, yet in  our seasons of turmoil, we do wonder, “Is the Lord among us or not?”  The deep question of the soul is, “God are you with me in this?”Can I trust that God will see me through this turmoil? It’s a question we ask on sleepless nights, agonizing over our health or a loved ones. Anxious about broken relationships, worried about our children, uncertain about our finances, finding ourselves entangled in workplace dysfunction, or being the target of someone’s hurtful actions . . . Overwhelmed with hurt and fear, we ask, “God, are you there?”

As Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness,  anxiety rose whenever supplies ran short, and especially, when water was scarce. One can understand that anxiety, when the basic necessities of life seem out of reach. It was here in this place Meribah, that the people asked Moses, “Is the Lord among us or not?” God’s response, was to have Moses strike the hard outer crust of a rock, setting free life-giving water, stored in its porous core.

Today we may not be able to see how God will provide for us in the future. Nor will we know how our current trial will end. But God has not abandoned us.  God is  walking beside us still . . . Even in those times, when we are oblivious to God’s presence. God is with us in our uncertainties and our doubts. God is near to every troubled heart and anxious soul.

In naming our fears, asking our questions, expressing our doubts, we open the door for  God  to touch our spirits, in the mysterious way of God. For,  when we are most honest with God, we are nearest to God’s heart.   There, even as our own strength fails, overwhelmed with burdens and challenges, God comes to us in love, anchoring us in hope.   Giving us the  strength and resources needed, to see us through the journey.  All the while, leading us to places of still waters, where our souls can be refreshed,   restored,  and quieting out anxious hearts.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3