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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 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.
212 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2009
About the author
John Townsend
471 books271 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Dr. John Townsend is a psychologist, popular speaker, co-host of the nationally broadcast New Life Live! radio program, and a cofounder of the Cloud-Townsend Clinic and Cloud-Townsend Resources. He has written or co-written twenty-seven books, including the bestselling Boundaries, Safe People, and Hiding from Love. He and his wife, Barbi, live in southern California. They have two grown sons.
Dr. John Townsend is a psychologist, popular speaker, co-host of the nationally broadcast New Life Live! radio program, and a cofounder of the Cloud-Townsend Clinic and Cloud-Townsend Resources. He has written or co-written twenty-seven books, including the bestselling Boundaries, Safe People, and Hiding from Love. He and his wife, Barbi, live in southern California. They have two grown sons.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 18, 2018
Insightful and practical
I wanted to read this not so much because I ask “where is a God?” (Occasionally yes, obviously), but more is search of some insight into how we may approach the issue and understand better what our friends who live troubled times may experience. In this sense, and also from a personal point of view, this is an excellent, insightful and practical book.
I wanted to read this not so much because I ask “where is a God?” (Occasionally yes, obviously), but more is search of some insight into how we may approach the issue and understand better what our friends who live troubled times may experience. In this sense, and also from a personal point of view, this is an excellent, insightful and practical book.
November 12, 2020
There are no answers. Not helpful
December 21, 2010
A family member of mine recently went through a tragic loss and I found myself wondering where the goodness of God was in all this. I remember saying to myself, "That's just not fair!" It was shortly after this that I had the opportunity to review two books, both on the subject of pain, suffering and the providence of God. It's amazing to me how some books that we happen upon are needed at just that particular moment in life. These books - one was John Piper's newest book, A Sweet & Bitter Providence - were a great help and reminder to me of God's sovereignty and goodness.
The other book was John Townsend's Where is God? In it, Townsend seeks to gently walk the reader through some of the answers to the book's title question, "Where is God?" In asking this question, Townsend notes that there are three different questions that could be at the heart of the matter. In the question of power, we want to know and be assured that God is powerful enough to be in control of life's circumstances. In the question of presence, we simply want to know and believe in the comforting presence of God, to experience a close relational intimacy with Him. The third question is a protest, a cry of anguish, "a statement of how badly they hate what is going on." He further discusses why bad things happen and boils it down to one thing: sin. Sin committed by us, sin committed against us or sin from a broken world system.
The book is organized around three principles: 1. God is for you, 2. Your experience matters and 3. The Bible is our source for understanding God's ways in hard times. Building on these principles, Townsend takes the reader through various reasons why and how we look for God in trying times. The chapters that had the most impact on me were the following ones that addressed various aspects of God's work. While each one was relatively short, they were packed with helpful insights.
* The God who suffers with me - in our suffering, God comes along beside us, empathizing and identifying with our struggles, having compassion on us.
* The God who works behind the scenes - God acts for us and for our good in ways that we may not see or understand.
* The God who transforms you - God uses our trials to strengthen us and draw us closer to Himself.
* The God who connects you with others - sometimes our difficult times result in new relationships and stronger bonds with others and reducing our own perceived self-sufficiency.
* The God of faith when there are no answers - in Townsend's words, "As someone who lives in faith, make it OK for yourself to say, `I don't know why....' God sometimes does reveal over time the redemptive meaning behind our struggles as we are better able to look back over the seasons of our lives with more perspective. But sometimes He does not. Sometimes we must trust." (pp.138-139)
This book doesn't necessarily argue for God's existence. It isn't a philosophical or even a theological book. It assumes God's existence. It draws more from counseling and psychology while applying Biblical truths. Some chapters of the book seemed a little wordy and perhaps could have been more concise. Additionally, parts of Townsend's theology felt a little lacking (such as saying "God gives up all the control He could use and puts Himself in an extremely humble and vulnerable position.") However, there are plenty of points made throughout the book that are both good and helpful. What Townsend offers in this book is an explanation of what God is doing through hard times and how to find hope in Him. Recommended: Yes
The other book was John Townsend's Where is God? In it, Townsend seeks to gently walk the reader through some of the answers to the book's title question, "Where is God?" In asking this question, Townsend notes that there are three different questions that could be at the heart of the matter. In the question of power, we want to know and be assured that God is powerful enough to be in control of life's circumstances. In the question of presence, we simply want to know and believe in the comforting presence of God, to experience a close relational intimacy with Him. The third question is a protest, a cry of anguish, "a statement of how badly they hate what is going on." He further discusses why bad things happen and boils it down to one thing: sin. Sin committed by us, sin committed against us or sin from a broken world system.
The book is organized around three principles: 1. God is for you, 2. Your experience matters and 3. The Bible is our source for understanding God's ways in hard times. Building on these principles, Townsend takes the reader through various reasons why and how we look for God in trying times. The chapters that had the most impact on me were the following ones that addressed various aspects of God's work. While each one was relatively short, they were packed with helpful insights.
* The God who suffers with me - in our suffering, God comes along beside us, empathizing and identifying with our struggles, having compassion on us.
* The God who works behind the scenes - God acts for us and for our good in ways that we may not see or understand.
* The God who transforms you - God uses our trials to strengthen us and draw us closer to Himself.
* The God who connects you with others - sometimes our difficult times result in new relationships and stronger bonds with others and reducing our own perceived self-sufficiency.
* The God of faith when there are no answers - in Townsend's words, "As someone who lives in faith, make it OK for yourself to say, `I don't know why....' God sometimes does reveal over time the redemptive meaning behind our struggles as we are better able to look back over the seasons of our lives with more perspective. But sometimes He does not. Sometimes we must trust." (pp.138-139)
This book doesn't necessarily argue for God's existence. It isn't a philosophical or even a theological book. It assumes God's existence. It draws more from counseling and psychology while applying Biblical truths. Some chapters of the book seemed a little wordy and perhaps could have been more concise. Additionally, parts of Townsend's theology felt a little lacking (such as saying "God gives up all the control He could use and puts Himself in an extremely humble and vulnerable position.") However, there are plenty of points made throughout the book that are both good and helpful. What Townsend offers in this book is an explanation of what God is doing through hard times and how to find hope in Him. Recommended: Yes
January 20, 2010
So where is God? This is a questions a lot, if not all people ask, at one point or another in their lives.
Dr. Townsend breaks it down into two view points
* the true questioning of where is – actually seeking him
* and the not actual question but rather that nagging voice we often use when we want things our way – we don’t want to accept the answer
I think the easiest way to explain the “where is God?” search is what Dr. Townsend says in his book about a son asking his father to borrow the car. The son first says “Dad can I borrow the car?” and the dad says “No.” and the son asks again — not because he didn’t hear the answer, but because he wanted his dad to change his mind and give him an answer he wanted instead of obeying the rules laid out before him. We are so often like this with our life. I know I think this way sometimes.
Dr. Townsend doesn’t hide that fact that life can be cruel at times and that it’s hard to be in. He gives very real advice that is biblical. I appreciated that his years of counselling could provide some good examples of his discussions throughout the book. It allowed me to get a better understanding of what he was talking about. It gave me hope and a better understanding of God, especially as he discusses some of the delusions we have about God( in chapter 5). I also love that he shows how God really loves me. How he wants to woo us through the Bible; even beginning with Adam. The evidence is there for us to enjoy if we choose to read His Word.
In chapters 3 & 4 he discusses theodicy “the study of understanding God’s goodness in the face of evil”, which really helped me a lot. He also brought forward the different depths of sin and how it affects us (sin by us, by others, and by the world). He gave some great ideas on how to think about it in regards to where you are now and how to work through some of those issue regarding the sin in your life. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it like this before, so this was a new concept for myself and I really liked it. It gave me some clarity on some issues that I have been dealing with.
Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend is a book that will make you think and perhaps re-evaluate your motives on your relationship with God. I know he asked some questions I hadn’t really thought of before. It is to encourage you, and give you hope in this life that is not always rosy.
Does it totally answer the question, “Where is God?”; yes and no. I am not sure anyone can totally answer that question to the fullest, but it gives you more than enough information to look forward and start finding him in your life so that you can work on your relationship with him – thus answering the question and letting you know that he’s been with you all along. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or someone who is just searching God out, you will find this book has a lot to offer.
Dr. Townsend breaks it down into two view points
* the true questioning of where is – actually seeking him
* and the not actual question but rather that nagging voice we often use when we want things our way – we don’t want to accept the answer
I think the easiest way to explain the “where is God?” search is what Dr. Townsend says in his book about a son asking his father to borrow the car. The son first says “Dad can I borrow the car?” and the dad says “No.” and the son asks again — not because he didn’t hear the answer, but because he wanted his dad to change his mind and give him an answer he wanted instead of obeying the rules laid out before him. We are so often like this with our life. I know I think this way sometimes.
Dr. Townsend doesn’t hide that fact that life can be cruel at times and that it’s hard to be in. He gives very real advice that is biblical. I appreciated that his years of counselling could provide some good examples of his discussions throughout the book. It allowed me to get a better understanding of what he was talking about. It gave me hope and a better understanding of God, especially as he discusses some of the delusions we have about God( in chapter 5). I also love that he shows how God really loves me. How he wants to woo us through the Bible; even beginning with Adam. The evidence is there for us to enjoy if we choose to read His Word.
In chapters 3 & 4 he discusses theodicy “the study of understanding God’s goodness in the face of evil”, which really helped me a lot. He also brought forward the different depths of sin and how it affects us (sin by us, by others, and by the world). He gave some great ideas on how to think about it in regards to where you are now and how to work through some of those issue regarding the sin in your life. I don’t think I’ve ever looked at it like this before, so this was a new concept for myself and I really liked it. It gave me some clarity on some issues that I have been dealing with.
Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend is a book that will make you think and perhaps re-evaluate your motives on your relationship with God. I know he asked some questions I hadn’t really thought of before. It is to encourage you, and give you hope in this life that is not always rosy.
Does it totally answer the question, “Where is God?”; yes and no. I am not sure anyone can totally answer that question to the fullest, but it gives you more than enough information to look forward and start finding him in your life so that you can work on your relationship with him – thus answering the question and letting you know that he’s been with you all along. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or someone who is just searching God out, you will find this book has a lot to offer.
March 16, 2011
This book hits a tender spot in every reader, for we’ve all had pain, trauma, or some sort of suffering where we ask ourselves, “Where is God in the midst of my suffering?” Dr. John Townsend spends the first few chapters of Where is God? presenting the theological problem and premise of the book: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do people, who faithfully serve God and genuinely love Him, experience loss, pain, and suffering? Though the question sounds like your going to be in for a quality treat as you tackle these issues, the author quickly skims over these weighty matters like the wind. He in no way tries to answer them as one might think from the way he presents them, but is content to live in mystery.
However, the thing Dr. Townsend does well is teach us to be honest in the pain, suffering, and trial we are undergoing. Many try to cloak their real feelings they’re experiencing with feelings they know they’re supposed to have. But he reassures us it is going to be okay when we’re honest while inspiring hope in the midst of all we’re going through. It’s okay to be honest with God, talking to Him about everything that is going on in our hearts and lives. He cares for us and wants to comfort us in the tough times as well as the good. If there was nothing else to take away from this work, the author did a wonderful job of inspiring hope in the midst of pain, which he states as his main goal a great deal into the work (Chapter 6).
Dr. John Townsend is a Christian psychologist. First and foremost he writes as a Christian. The book is filled with Scripture and peppered with various real-life stories and practical applications. He writes as an easy to understand Christian, for the average layman one might say. He is writing to ordinary Christians in the midst of suffering and pain.
Secondly, he writes as a phycologist. The great majority of the book is filled with practical tips and ways to engage with God in the midst of trials and pain. More than anything, Dr. Townsend teaches us to be real with ourselves, not covering up our pain because we know we have to trust God. It is okay to be hurting, to doubt, and to question God in those times. Pain isn’t healed by ignoring it, but by confronting it and being vulnerable with it. He is ultimately trying to get us past our pain and suffering to see God for who He really is: “The last thing He wants is for you to pretend with Him, act as if it is all OK, see Him as a duty, be afraid of Him, or to avoid Him altogether. He wants all of you, even the anxious parts, so that He can continually stretch and strengthen your life and your perspective to something more closely approximating His viewpoint” (195).
The book was pretty good overall; not the theological work that he tries to present in the opening chapters, but a Christian psychology book that gets you to deal with your real emotions, thus leaving you more liberated to love God and enjoy life.
However, the thing Dr. Townsend does well is teach us to be honest in the pain, suffering, and trial we are undergoing. Many try to cloak their real feelings they’re experiencing with feelings they know they’re supposed to have. But he reassures us it is going to be okay when we’re honest while inspiring hope in the midst of all we’re going through. It’s okay to be honest with God, talking to Him about everything that is going on in our hearts and lives. He cares for us and wants to comfort us in the tough times as well as the good. If there was nothing else to take away from this work, the author did a wonderful job of inspiring hope in the midst of pain, which he states as his main goal a great deal into the work (Chapter 6).
Dr. John Townsend is a Christian psychologist. First and foremost he writes as a Christian. The book is filled with Scripture and peppered with various real-life stories and practical applications. He writes as an easy to understand Christian, for the average layman one might say. He is writing to ordinary Christians in the midst of suffering and pain.
Secondly, he writes as a phycologist. The great majority of the book is filled with practical tips and ways to engage with God in the midst of trials and pain. More than anything, Dr. Townsend teaches us to be real with ourselves, not covering up our pain because we know we have to trust God. It is okay to be hurting, to doubt, and to question God in those times. Pain isn’t healed by ignoring it, but by confronting it and being vulnerable with it. He is ultimately trying to get us past our pain and suffering to see God for who He really is: “The last thing He wants is for you to pretend with Him, act as if it is all OK, see Him as a duty, be afraid of Him, or to avoid Him altogether. He wants all of you, even the anxious parts, so that He can continually stretch and strengthen your life and your perspective to something more closely approximating His viewpoint” (195).
The book was pretty good overall; not the theological work that he tries to present in the opening chapters, but a Christian psychology book that gets you to deal with your real emotions, thus leaving you more liberated to love God and enjoy life.
January 31, 2010
Where Is God written by Dr. John Townsend addresses that question that many of us feel when life gets tough. Dr. Townsend uses personal accounts and scripture that illustrate his points. He starts off with looking at the type of problems people have that begin them asking the question. According to Dr. Townsend these can be relational, functional, health issues or catastrophes. The rest of the book address personal growth and the journey to that growth.
Dr. Townsend begins to look at God himself and that God desires us to feel love and be able to love. He address who is God and the different roles that God uses to interact with us personally. These interactions vary from God suffering alongside us to connecting us with others. He finally ends the book with how to develop that personal relationship with God. He gives different ways to develop the relationship and addresses the process of faith. My favorite chapter was "Expect the Good". Dr. Townsend talks about that we should expect good from God and that will change our attitude about our situation.
At the time that I read this book, I was not going through any crises. I however, was able to identify with times in my life that I have had difficulty and had questioned where was God. I recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing hard times and even those who are not. I learned more about God and ways to continue to grow my faith.
Dr. Townsend begins to look at God himself and that God desires us to feel love and be able to love. He address who is God and the different roles that God uses to interact with us personally. These interactions vary from God suffering alongside us to connecting us with others. He finally ends the book with how to develop that personal relationship with God. He gives different ways to develop the relationship and addresses the process of faith. My favorite chapter was "Expect the Good". Dr. Townsend talks about that we should expect good from God and that will change our attitude about our situation.
At the time that I read this book, I was not going through any crises. I however, was able to identify with times in my life that I have had difficulty and had questioned where was God. I recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing hard times and even those who are not. I learned more about God and ways to continue to grow my faith.
February 15, 2010
In our darkest hours we cry out to God “Where are you?” It often doesn’t matter how close our relationship has been, in those days of heartache, we don’t always see His work or feel His presence. Having lived in that darkness, I am drawn to books that offer help for the suffering Christian. There are only a handful of books written for struggling or suffering Christians that I recommend. This book, Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend, is one I will highly recommend.
Spiritual pain is often worse than physical pain. Dr. Townsend understands the intensity of the problem and gives solid scriptural counsel. He offers hope and understanding without condemnation for the suffering Christian. His scripture based message is one that makes sure the reader understands who God is and how He stays with us even when we don’t feel His presence. Dr. Townsend explains that we often have a distorted view of God and it is those views that often cause us to struggle with matters of faith. I think this was the most interesting part of the book and reminds us not to try to make God fit into our own images of Him.
This is a book I would recommend for those going through trying times, for church libraries, for anyone that offers counsel, or is interested in Christian psychology.
Spiritual pain is often worse than physical pain. Dr. Townsend understands the intensity of the problem and gives solid scriptural counsel. He offers hope and understanding without condemnation for the suffering Christian. His scripture based message is one that makes sure the reader understands who God is and how He stays with us even when we don’t feel His presence. Dr. Townsend explains that we often have a distorted view of God and it is those views that often cause us to struggle with matters of faith. I think this was the most interesting part of the book and reminds us not to try to make God fit into our own images of Him.
This is a book I would recommend for those going through trying times, for church libraries, for anyone that offers counsel, or is interested in Christian psychology.
July 4, 2014
This is a fantastic book for anyone but especially for those going through a particularly hard time and finding it hard to connect with God. John's personal stories as well as those of his clients were very relevant to the subject matter and inspiring.
January 17, 2011
This was an encouraging book - very helpful.
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