“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
Get ready for an “interactive devo” with this one. First, pause reading to simply speak aloud the title, “What are you doing?” Now, say it with an emphasis on “doing”…and now, say it again, but add a bit of your best frustrated tone, like when you catch your child (or spouse) in the midst of some questionable act. Can’t we hear ourselves speaking this very thing to the Lord when our circumstances are painful, frightening, and ostensibly unwarranted in relation to our faithfulness to Him? We protest, “Why are they prospering, when they hate You, God?” Or “Why can’t we get pregnant, when our desire is to raise up godly children…yet hundreds of women kill their unwanted babies every day?” We pray and declare our trust in Him, but then we snatch back control because He’s not doing what we deem to be the best course of action.
In this singular statement, we question not only our negative conditions, but also His motives—sometimes, doubting His love for us or even His very existence.
OK, say it again—out loud—but this time put the emphasis on “You” (that is, on God). Once more. Now note the natural tonal shift from frustration to genuine inquiry. The entire meaning of the phrase changes, doesn’t it? It moves from questioning the activity, circumstances, even the grief and pain to seeking God’s purpose in it all. By turning our attention to Him, the spotlight we had on our surroundings dims in His Light. We can abandon the struggle to blame, control, and understand from our limited perspective…and surrender it all to the One whose thoughts are not our thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Same question, different outcome.
In fact, centering on the “You”—as with our very breath—our intention evolves. We no longer chase the “why” or even the “how long” like a person on the edge of madness. As with many of the Psalms David penned, we can certainly start with, “What are you DOING, Lord!?” It’s only natural to think this way (the questioning and doubting, complaining and arguing). But, like David, we can conclude with the YOU. See, as believers we have the mind of Christ, so that we don’t have to think like the world (1 Corinthians 2:12-16). We can resolve (like David) to trust in the Lord and praise His Providence (Psalm 13; 31; 42-43). His way is perfect (Psalm 18:30). Whatever He is doing, it is for His flawless purpose—and it will stand (Proverbs 19:21). And, although we may not see it clearly until we are with Jesus, face to face, the doing is in His Sovereignty, and it is for our good (Romans 8:28). And, beloved, the pain, the waiting, the loss, the incomprehensible circumstance…it is always for His glory (Isaiah 42:8; Revelation 4:11).
“Lord, may my complaining and questioning of You be transformed into trust and praise. Because You are Trustworthy, Sovereign, and so, so Good.”
For His Glory
Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life









