God Promises Presence, Not Closure: Finding Peace When Answers Don’t Come

Do you remember the feeling of having to wait an entire week to watch the next episode of your favorite series—especially when it ended on a cliffhanger?

Thanks to streaming services, we don’t have to live in suspense anymore. We can binge-watch and get the closure we crave in one sitting.

But life doesn’t work like that, does it?

The Desire for Closure

Ever wished life came with a “closure episode” at the end of every season?

I know the feeling.

Not too long ago, in the midst of a tense season with a friend, I poured out all my “whys” before the Lord.

I heard nothing.

Until one day, He gently spoke through someone with these words:

“…I lay my hand on my mouth.” —Job 40:4
“…Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” —Job 42:3

Learning from Job’s Story

If you’re familiar with Job’s story, you know that he was a man “…blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” —Job 1:1 (ESV)

Although God Himself testified of Job’s integrity, He still allowed Satan to sift him.

We know how the story ends—God restores double to Job.

But what He didn’t give Job was closure.

I’ve sat with that thought many times.

God’s Presence Is Better Than Closure

God doesn’t always give us closure, but He always gives us His presence.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” —Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

In Job chapters 38–41, God asks Job a series of rhetorical questions that highlight how little Job—and we—understand about His wisdom and ways.

On the days that overwhelm me, I often come back to this reminder:

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” —Isaiah 55:9

Choosing Trust Over Answers

Sometimes, surrendering our need to know is the greatest display of trust God desires.

Ultimately, He is good, and He has good plans for us.

Reflect

If you’ve been waiting for answers that haven’t come, pause and consider Job’s reply in Job 42:3.

What questions can you surrender in prayer today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, though in my weakness I cling to my questions, today I lay them at Your feet. You are all I need to live this life well. Thank You for being so patient with me. Amen.