Within the past few weeks, people I love have been through a lot. A father died unexpectedly. An acquaintance was diagnosed with cancer. A friend’s employee was sent to jail. A mother talked about the hurt of losing a child. A young wife suffered a stroke.

Maybe last month wasn’t so dramatic for you, but daily job struggles, relationship problems, and financial worries can wear you down too. It’s enough to make us all ask, “What is God doing? And why is he letting this happen?”

In an age where we can immediately get answers (thanks, Google!) and mysteries are solved in 60 minutes (thanks, CSI, NCIS, SVU, and any other crime-solving acronym show!), we aren’t really patient enough to wait for his answer, are we? We want answers and we want them now! Whenever I find myself wishing that the God of the universe would consult me on his handling of affairs, some lyrics by JJ Heller pop into my mind: “I don’t know what you’re doing, but I know who you are.”

Oh, that’s right. I don’t have the whole plan at my disposal, which is why my thoughts aren’t his thoughts. So I might not know (ever!) what he’s doing, but I know who he is.

“God is greater than any mortal” (Job 33:12).

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (Psalm 54:4).

“Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death” (Psalm 68:20).

“The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion” (Psalm 116:5).

“God is love” (1 John 4:8).

So, considering all that . . .

“Why do you complain, [insert your name]? Why do you say, [insert your name again], ‘My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God’? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:27-29).

Phew, I needed that—and so do all the hurting people in my life and in your lives. Let’s tell them!

What facts about God amaze you? Leave a comment—we could all use as many reminders as possible.

Linda Buxa is a writer, Bible study leader, and retreat speaker. You know what really amazes her about God? That he sometimes does answer our questions and lets us see his plan. Astonishing!