Does God Have Ears?

It was an innocent question from a child who was quietly listening, asked with deep sincerity after overhearing the weight of adult conversation. We had been talking about the devastating flooding in Texas, the heartbreak of a shooting during a 4th of July gathering, and the sudden car accident that took the life of a friend. As the grief hung in the air, he quietly asked: Does God have ears?

We all paused.

The question pierced deeper than any news report or social media post could. In a world flooded with tragedy, where is God? Does He hear? Does He care? And if so, why is there so much evil?

The Bible is clear: God is not a detached force, far removed from our pain. He hears, and He hears with the compassion of a loving Father.

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.”
— Psalm 34:15, ESV

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
— Psalm 5:3, ESV

While God is spirit (John 4:24) and not bound by human form, Scripture uses human language—ears, eyes, hands—so we can grasp the nearness of His presence. His “ears” are not symbolic of distance but a declaration of intimacy. He hears the unspoken cries, the questions whispered in the night, and the tears that fall without words.

The Word of God itself is alive and powerful, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
— Hebrews 4:12, ESV

God’s Word reveals Him fully to us—He knows our hearts and hears our deepest cries.

The question of evil isn’t new. It’s as old as Eden. The Bible tells us that God created everything good:

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”
— Genesis 1:31, ESV

But when sin entered through Adam and Eve, so did death, suffering, and separation from God.

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
— Romans 5:12, ESV

From that moment, everything changed. Creation itself became tainted. It groans with the weight of sin:

“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
— Romans 8:22, ESV

Floods, violence, accidents—they are not just natural events or freak tragedies. They are reminders that we live in a fallen world, groaning for redemption.

But God’s desire is not that we remain unchanged by this brokenness. Instead, He calls us to be transformed:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
— Romans 12:2, ESV

Recently, I painted our ship a deep black. I’d seen the white sail before—many times, in fact—but I had never noticed how striking it was until it was framed against the darkness of the hull. The contrast was so vivid, it demanded my attention.

Sometimes, that’s what evil does. It gets our attention. Not because God causes it all—but because He allows us to see light more clearly against the dark.

“When your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.”
— Isaiah 26:9b, ESV

God doesn't waste pain. While He doesn’t always shield us from suffering, He uses it to stir our hearts, to awaken our souls, to call us back to what matters most. He allows us to feel the full weight of a broken world so we will long for the hope of restoration.

“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
— Hebrews 12:6, ESV

It’s not punishment—it’s invitation. The sound of pain can become the trumpet call to return to God.

In the midst of suffering, we have a great High Priest who understands our weaknesses perfectly:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
— Hebrews 4:15–16, ESV

When evil and suffering threaten to overwhelm, God’s comfort is real and tangible. The apostle Paul reminds us that God

“comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:4, ESV

This is a comfort that passes understanding because it flows from the heart of God himself.

Our vision is limited. We see through the keyhole of time, but God sees the full narrative. We see snapshots of loss, but He sees the arc of redemption. He sees the eternal. We see what’s in front of us; He sees what’s ahead of us.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
— Isaiah 55:8, ESV

We ask “Why?” but God is always working on the deeper “Who.” Who will you turn to? Who will you trust? Who will redeem what feels lost?

In the moments when we don’t understand, we can rest in the character of the One who does. He is not absent. He is not silent. He is Emmanuel—God with us.

That question—“Does God have ears?”—still echoes in my heart. It’s a question of pain. But it’s also a question of hope. It’s a belief, hidden within the ache, that if God does hear… then maybe He will act.

And He has.
He came.
Jesus entered our pain, bore our sin, and suffered evil’s worst blow so we could be made whole.

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.”
— Isaiah 53:4–5, ESV

So yes, dear child—God has ears. He hears more than we can speak. He sees more than we can understand. And in the middle of a dark and broken world, He is still pointing us to the white sail—the hope of Christ—shining bright against the black canvas of a fallen creation.

Times spent in a blizzard

 

Life’s storms, as described in Psalm 46, can feel like blizzards—blinding and relentless, leaving us disoriented and desperate for safety. In the chaos of strong winds and the white-out of snow, it becomes difficult to see what lies ahead or even comprehend the comfort being offered. The psalmist reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). When survival seems to hinge on simply taking the next step, we often cry out to God in the most honest and heartfelt way: “Help!” It is here, amidst the turmoil, that we reach for the One who is immovable, unshaken by the winds, and unclouded by the blizzard's fury. God sees through what we cannot; He knows our limits and allows us to endure just enough to recognize that our strength alone is insufficient.

The storms serve as a reminder that true peace, strength, and refuge are found in Him alone. Even when it feels like the very ground beneath us is crumbling and the waters of life are perilous as the ice crakes and we are in danger of plunging into the ice cold water, we are assured: “Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2). Our confidence is not in our ability to weather the storm but in the unshakable presence of God who “will help [us] when morning dawns” (Psalm 46:5).

In the heart of the storm, when the winds howl and the frost bites, we may feel as though we are at our breaking point. Yet, God is not moved by the chaos around us. He is sovereign, commanding stillness even in the fiercest of trials: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). His voice calms the storm within us, even when the storm outside persists. In those moments, we begin to understand that it is not about escaping the storm but learning to trust the One who walks with us through it.

When the storm finally passes, the stillness and calm reveal His power and faithfulness. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:7). In the aftermath, as we take stock of the journey, we are often most awed by the peace that follows. It is in this quiet that we give thanksgiving to a Father who not only carried us through but also used the storm for our growth. The pain and uncertainty we endured have refined us, deepening our reliance on Him and teaching us where true strength and safety are found.

In the calm after the storm, gratitude wells up within us—for the shelter God provided, for the prayers He answered, and for the ways He used others to support us. We give thanks for our families, church communities, and friends who reflected God’s love and care during the storm. Most of all, we thank our Heavenly Father, who is in complete control of our future. He holds every moment in His hands, and His purposes are always for our good. Though the storm tested us, it could not overwhelm us because we were anchored in Him.

As we look back, we are reminded that every storm has a purpose. It reveals our need for God, strengthens our faith, and leads us to deeper thanksgiving. The psalmist’s words echo in our hearts: “Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear…” (Psalm 46:8-9). Just as He calms the raging seas, He calms our hearts and reminds us of His sovereignty. May we always give thanks to the Father who remains steadfast in every storm and trust Him to guide us into His peace and purposes.  

The promise of God being with us is most certainly for those who have put their trust in Him and have placed their faith and lives in the hands of Jesus. These promises of walking through the blizzards of life and finding refuge in His presence are reserved for those who have been received into His family. I do not want to mislead anyone into thinking these assurances are for those outside of God’s family. If you are unsure of your standing or have not made that step to be a part of His family, I hope you will do so before your storms begin to rage. God invites you to trust in Him, to find refuge in His unchanging love, and to experience the peace that only He can provide.

PSALM 46 ESV

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present^[b] help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶ The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

When Life Hits You Sideways

 

When life takes an unexpected turn, it often feels like we’re caught off guard. We hope that the worst things will never happen to us, and when they do, we struggle to respond and hold onto the truths we’ve built our lives on. The Bible makes it clear that God is in control of everything, even our suffering. While it’s hard to understand how a loving God could allow pain, scripture shows us that He is present with us in our struggles.

Sometimes, life feels like a sudden derailment, someone has flipped a switch and our engine is careening down the wrong track with red lights ahead and we find ourselves heading toward disaster. Yet, even in our pain, God promises to be with us. As 1 Peter 5:10 says, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace... will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." God’s Word reminds us that He is good, even in difficult times. Psalm 34:8–10 reassures us: "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good... those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." ESV

Although it’s hard to accept, God often uses suffering to teach us and draw us closer to Him. As 2 Corinthians 1:3–6 explains, God comforts us in our pain so we can comfort others. Through suffering, we experience Christ’s comfort and learn to rely on Him. We live in a broken world filled with sin, sickness, and pain. Sometimes we suffer because of our choices, and other times because of God’s purposes for His glory and our good. This isn’t just a shallow saying—it’s an acknowledgment of the deep pain and struggle that comes with life’s hardships.

Suffering connects us to others and to Christ, who knows what it means to endure pain. Hebrews 2:9–11 tells us that Jesus suffered for us, bringing us into God’s family. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can share our struggles and offer each other hope, knowing our Savior understands. He has been there. God’s presence often becomes most real in the messiness of life, in moments when we feel broken and helpless.  And, we are most able to relate to the messy realities of life—the raw, everyday experiences where God’s presence becomes tangible.

Over the past two days, my husband and I have faced emotional ups and downs while searching for answers about his heart condition. We’ve felt moments of hope, only to be met with setbacks, leaving us humbled and uncertain. Yet, we know this is just one part of God’s bigger story—a story that’s ultimately about His glory, not ours. Even when we don’t understand His plan, we trust that God is ahead of us, working everything out for good.

We will still grieve, feel frustrated, and face disappointment, but deep in our hearts, we have peace. Our God is bigger than anything we can imagine. As Jesus said in John 16:33: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."  ESV

Out of Control .........

 

The recent apocalyptic events in Southern California have shaken many of us. Whether you’ve experienced it personally, know a family member, or have a dear friend impacted, the effects ripple through our lives. It’s a sobering reminder that there are events we cannot control. Yet, the temptation to fret and worry can easily consume us, even when there is nothing we can do to change the outcome. Watching the endless news reports often stirs up a whirlwind of emotions—our stomachs churn, our hearts race, and our minds refuse to stop replaying the events. These are all natural reactions because God created us with an ability to sense and respond to trouble in our world.

This awareness is not necessarily a bad thing. God designed us to care for others in their struggles and to recognize when danger is present. It can also be an invitation to turn to Him as our refuge in times of trouble. However, when we allow anxiety to overtake us, it often shifts from being helpful to harmful. Anxiety can act like a warning light on the dashboard of a train—blinking red to alert us that there’s danger nearby, whether in our external world or within our hearts. But when we ignore the warning signs, that light can escalate into a blaring horn. Suddenly, our hearts race faster, our emotions spiral, and our physical bodies respond with unpleasant symptoms that signal we are heading toward a crash.

Anxiety, like all emotions, has the potential to take control if we let it. It can grow out of proportion, fed by either real trouble or imagined scenarios we’ve created in our minds. In these moments, it can feel like the train of our lives is careening downhill with no brakes, gaining speed as we lose control. How we respond to these situations is deeply revealing—it shows us what we have placed at the center of our hearts. Is it fear? Worry? Or is it trust in God?

Whatever we organize our lives around—our worries, desires, or fears—often becomes the fuel driving the train. If we’re not careful, we can forget who the true conductor is. The good news is that God is always in control, even when our lives feel chaotic. Psalm 94:19 speaks to this truth: “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.” Even when our inner thoughts are racing and out of control, God’s comfort is available to bring us peace.

We must remind ourselves that God is not only the Creator of the universe but also the One who holds our lives in His hands. He knows every obstacle ahead, every twist and turn in the journey. And here’s the key: God has no intention of hopping off the train. He is with us through every dark tunnel, every broken rail, and even through the fires that seem impossible to endure. His promise is to strengthen, comfort, and guide us through it all. But we must choose to surrender control to Him instead of relying on our own limited understanding.

When we face life’s inevitable challenges, we must rely on God’s Word as our operational guide. Here are some truths to hold onto:

1. Bring your troubles to God: Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When anxiety begins to take hold, don’t try to bear it alone. Take your concerns to God in prayer. Be honest with Him about your struggles and thank Him for His faithfulness. When you do, His peace will guard your heart and mind, even in the middle of chaos.
2. Focus on what is true: When our minds are consumed with worry, we need to redirect our thoughts to God’s truth. Philippians 4:8 teaches us, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” God calls us to park our minds on the things that reflect His goodness and character, rather than allowing fear or negativity to take the lead.
3. Handle the problem God’s way: Philippians 4:9 says, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” God has provided us with wisdom and examples through His Word. When we follow His principles and trust in His ways, we’ll experience His peace, even in the midst of life’s storms.
4. Trust God and His timing: Finally, Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match our expectations. Trusting in His strength allows us to face even the most difficult circumstances with courage and hope.

Life will undoubtedly bring moments of trouble. There will be times when the train must pass through fallen trees, dark tunnels, and fiery trials. But we can rest in the promise that God is always with us. He sees the rail ahead and has already planned a way through. Rather than letting fear take control of the train, let’s place our faith in the One who has never failed us. When we trust Him to guide us, we’ll discover His peace, comfort, and strength—no matter what lies ahead.