I AM

The Answer to the Unanswerable

The answer to life’s most difficult, unresolvable, anxiety-evoking questions is not always an explanation. Sometimes the answer is the simple, steady truth that God is I AM.

When Moses asked God his name, God answered, “I AM WHO I AM.” Then God said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:13–14)

When Jesus was challenged about his identity and authority, he answered, “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)

God is like the parent consoling the upset child, “It’s okay. I am here now!” And the child is comforted.

In naming Himself, I AM, God says:

I AM present, right here, right now.

I AM with you always. (Matthew 28:20)

I AM in control when the world seems chaotic.

I AM the God of all comfort in the midst of unbearable pain. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

I AM Redeemer of life’s worst evil. (Job 19:25; Romans 8:28)

It is easy, even natural, to wake up every morning overwhelmed by all we face. Sometimes overwhelm floods us because of the sheer volume that hits us:

• too much to do

• too much pain

• too much bad news

• too many politicians and wars

• too many texts and emails

• too much, too much

When Job, one of Scripture’s clearest examples of suffering, finally cracked and brought his complaint to God, God answered, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4)

In other words, the answer to the unanswerable is not always a reason. Sometimes the answer is God Himself.

I AM.

To those words, we either respond, “That is not enough of an answer for me,” or, “I will trust in I AM.”

Trust says:

• My day ahead looks crazy. Still, I will trust in I AM.

• I am depressed and have no answers, no hope. Still, I will trust in I AM.

• The pain, the grief, the worry is more than I can bear. Still, I will trust in I AM.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Jesus is I AM in the flesh.

When there is nowhere else to go, trust I AM.