DAILY DEVOT IONAL 34
Myounghun Stephen Yun
Genesis 50:15–21 (NIV)
"WHY, LORD?"
“Why?” “I want to know why.” “What is the meaning of what I am experiencing?” As a pastor, one of the most challenging questions I hear is “Why?” This question arises from all sorts of painful circumstances, including life-threatening illnesses, personal tragedies, and relational traumas. I vividly remember hearing that simple yet heart-wrenching “why?” from a survivor of domestic violence. My response was compassionate silence and listening, because I sensed her “why” was more a deep relational cry of lament than a quest for an intellectual explanation.
It is natural to search for meaning, to seek an explanation that might make our circumstances feel more understandable. Yet, attempting to make sense of painful experiences can be perilous. Whether directly or indirectly, it may appear that we are justifying or normalizing suffering, brokenness, and evil, especially when dealing with human atrocities or psychosocial traumas. But does this mean we should refuse to find any meaning after our painful experiences, leaving them untouchable chaos or secrecy?
Joseph’s words in Genesis 50:20—“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”—show how he moved beyond simply asking why he suffered and instead trusted that God could bring forth a greater purpose out of his suffering. Rather than remaining trapped in bitterness over betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph acknowledged the real harm done, but he trusted that God could transform it to save many lives.
This perspective is critical for anyone wrestling with trauma or injustice. While evil is never justified, it does not have the final say. The God of resurrection does. By bringing our pain honestly before God, we discover that our wounds can become catalysts for renewed purpose and healing. Lament provides a biblical framework for naming injustice without minimizing it. In crying out, “Why, Lord?” we do more than seek intellectual explanations; we invite God into our most wounded spaces, resisting evil’s power to isolate or silence us.
In times of deep suffering, such as personal tragedies or communal traumas, we hold two truths in tension: human atrocities and injustice remain affronts to God’s goodness, yet God’s grace can still lead us toward hope and healing. We do not claim that suffering is good, nor do we dismiss its severity and consequence. Instead, we trust in the promise that what was intended for harm can be reworked by Christ’s redemptive power. Such redemption does not necessarily erase the pain or make it “all better,” but it does proclaim that suffering will not ultimately prevail.
If you hear someone asking “why?” or find yourself asking that question, remember it is often a relational cry—a lament that can draw you closer to God’s heart. You are guided and empowered to 2 move from "finding meaning in pain" to "finding meaning out of pain," and this transition can be a lengthy and difficult journey. However, your faith in Christ serves as a bridge between these two places. As you shift from meaning in suffering to meaning out of suffering, you may witness grace flowing in ways you never expected. This process might involve breaking silence by sharing your story, seeking support through prayer and community, and standing in solidarity with others. Even in the darkest valleys, God’s transforming power can create new beginnings, turning your story of pain into a testimony of compassion, renewed hope, and deeper faith. What Now, God? Here I am, Lord!
PRAYER:
Dear God, when we’re overwhelmed and asking “Why?” remind us that our question isn’t just about answers. It’s our heart reaching out for your comfort and healing. Help us move from trying to explain our pain to discovering new purpose and strength through it. Give us the courage to speak honestly about our struggles and to lean on others who can walk beside us. Even if we don’t have all the answers, assure us of your presence in our darkest moments, bringing healing and hope that go beyond anything we could imagine. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
HYMNS, SONGS, OR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
“Be Still, My Soul”