Where Is God?: Finding His Presence, Purpose and Power in Difficult Times »

Hard times make us look for God.

Everyone has problems. But if we could solve all our difficulties ourselves, would we ever search for God? Psychologist John Townsend says "It is actually the very unfixability of our problems and our powerlessness to bring right results that keep us asking, 'Where is God?'"

With a compelling narrative, Townsend offers new insights into the pursuit for God's help and presence. Designed to give readers hope and meaning, he divides the discussion into three parts:

• Why does a loving God allow us to experience difficulties?


• How is God active in the middle of our hard times?


• How can I find God?

With powerful stories and practical applications, Where Is God? assures readers that even when it feels as though God is absent it is his nature to be in relationship, to connect with, love, and guide us. And when we seek him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, he shows up in ways that transform us forever.

Publishers Weekly

Theodicy-why God allows suffering and evil-is one of the thorniest problems Christians and other theists face. Psychologist Townsend, coauthor of the bestselling book Boundaries, has eschewed an academic perspective and written a commonsense volume, specifically for those suffering hard times and asking about God's purposes, sovereignty and even goodness. Supporting his ideas with personal anecdotes and multiple biblical citations, the author argues that suffering and destruction are a result of our freedom to choose God's ways or our own ways. God's intentions for humankind are good; God is present in all circumstances; God is compassionate; and God wants us to seek help from each other, asserts the author. Most of all, God (and the author) offer the suffering hope, founded in God's promises for this life, Christian community and the life to come. While there is little that isn't out of the evangelical playbook, Townsend brings refreshing honesty and distaste for conventional pabulum to the subject.
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Acknowledgements xi

Introduction: Where Is God When I Need Him? xiii

Chapter 1 Power, Presence, and Protest 1

Chapter 2 Why Ask Why? 9

Chapter 3 The Pie Chart 17

Chapter 4 Freedom in the Service of Love 27

Chapter 5 The God You Must Not Seek 43

Chapter 6 A Hope More Than Wishing 61

Chapter 7 The God Who Suffers with Me 73

Chapter 8 The God Who Works Behind the Scenes 83

Chapter 9 The God Who Transforms You 93

Chapter 10 The God Who Connects You with Others 109

Chapter 11 The God of Faith When There Are No Answers 125

Chapter 12 Hard Times Are the Access Code 153

Chapter 13 Expect the Good 159

Chapter 14 Nuts and Bolts 179

Conclusion 199

Appendix: Books on God and Suffering 207

Notes 209

About the Author 211