What would it be like for a person to be at peace with God? It is necessary to trust someone, of course, in order to be at peace with him. But why would anybody not trust a perfectly loving God?
Look at the story about the Israelites during the Exodus. The whole people was deep into the desert and very thirsty, and there was no water. Where was God while they were so afflicted? How is there to be peace and trust in God if he will let those he loves suffer in this way?
In fact, God does at last give his people exactly what they need, by a notable miracle, by bringing water out of a rock. Why doesn’t he do this before his people get so thirsty?
To answer, ask how trust is produced, even just between human beings. When do we say to someone, “You are a true friend!”? It isn’t when everything goes smoothly, is it? It is in the times of crisis that a person grows in trust, and gratitude for those who turn out to be there for him, because they are committed to loving him.
God’s love works to draw his people to himself, and he is willing to endure even the suffering of his people for that purpose. God waits to give his people water till they make clear how little they trust him, so that God can help produce trust for them in addition to water.
And that is why there can be peace with God even in the times when people want for water or any of the other good things they need to live. His love is trustworthy, even—or maybe, especially—in the hard times. . .
Eleonore Stump
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