Is the Lord among us or not?

When life feels overwhelming and suffering seems arbitrary, it becomes easy to question God’s heart toward us. In Exodus 17:1–7, Israel stands in the wilderness thirsty, afraid, and accusing God: “Is the LORD among us or not?” Their struggle is one we know well. If God is sovereign, is he really still good in the midst of our suffering? Yet instead of abandoning his grumbling people, God responds with astonishing mercy. This wilderness story points us to Jesus Christ, the true Rock who was struck for sinners so that living water might flow to all who trust in him. Whether you are walking through suffering, disappointment, confusion, or spiritual dryness, this passage invites you to stop interpreting God through your circumstances and look to the cross, the true measure of God's love to sinners.