logo
episode-header-image
About this episode
Have you ever wrestled with the question, “If God is good, then why did this painful thing happen to me?” When we’re deep in hurt, the idea of a loving God can feel impossible to reconcile with our suffering. It’s not about struggling with prayer or faith itself—it’s about wrestling with who God is in the midst of pain.

In this episode, I'm opening up this conversation, not to offer quick-fix answers, but to create space for the real questions so many of us carry. We’ll explore what it means to hold both realities—a broken world and a loving God—without dismissing the weight of our experiences. Healing doesn’t come from clichés or easy answers, but from being heard, understood, and reminded of who God truly is.

Rooting for you,
Jessica

Next steps:

Get my free 3-day study and learn how to deal with your emotions in a biblical way: https://www.jessicahottle.com/3-day-study/

Learn more about working with me 1:1 as your mental health coach: https://www.jessicahottle.com/mental-health-coaching

Or book your free 20-minute consultation here!

Check out my biblical studies: https://www.jessicahottle.com/shop

Work with me in my Untangle Your Thoughts program: https://www.jessicahottle.com/heal

Email me at >> jessica@jessicahottle.com

The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or clinical advice. While we discuss mental health topics, this is not a substitute for professional care. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.
Up next
Today
Why You’re Still Struggling With Negative Thoughts (Even Though You Pray About It)
You’ve prayed, you’ve quoted all the right verses, and yet your thoughts keep running wild. Ever been there? That frustrating place where no matter how much truth you speak over yourself, the fear or self-doubt just keeps circling back. It’s easy to feel like you’re failing spiri ... Show More
13m 48s
Jul 2
5 Steps to Regulate Your Emotions Without Shutting Them Down
Ever felt like your emotions are either locked in a vault or completely flooding the room? One moment you’re holding it all together and the next, you’re either shutting down or snapping. If you’ve been stuck in that all-or-nothing cycle, you’re not alone. Most of us were never t ... Show More
16 m
Jun 25
Why You Don’t Have to Fix Everyone (and Why That’s a Trauma Pattern)
You want to help. It feels noble - maybe even necessary. You’re the one who jumps in, figures it out, and holds it all together. And when someone you love is struggling? You can feel the pull in your chest, like you’re supposed to do something. But here’s the hard truth: sometime ... Show More
13m 11s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2023
When a Good God Allows Pain and Suffering with Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle
This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded to help you process the question we often wrestle with as Christians: How can a good God allow pain and suffering?Join Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for this ... Show More
29m 24s
Jun 17
Why God Won't Remove Your Struggle | What Every Christian Needs to Know About Trials and Suffering
The 3 Biblical Realities Every Christian Needs to Understand:See Your Trial for What It Is - God's custom training program for your faithSee Yourself for Who You Are - Unfinished work in progressSee God for Who He Is - A Father doing necessary work in difficult circumstancesWhat ... Show More
32m 41s
Jul 2023
"If God Knows What’s Going To Happen, Why Should I Pray?" With Lysa TerKeurst and Dr. Joel Muddamalle
This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded to help you process questions like "Since God is sovereign and knows what’s going to happen, why should I pray?" and "Can our prayers change God's mind?"Join Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological R ... Show More
29m 26s
Nov 2024
What Does God Think of Divorce?
Divorce is a difficult topic. Fr. Josh Johnson shares sympathy and advice based on Catholic teaching for anyone struggling in this season. We are reminded that throughout the hardest times, Jesus is inviting us to join Him on the cross. He is calling us to bless those who curse u ... Show More
20m 38s
Oct 2024
How To Use Faith To Rewire Your Mind
In this episode, we talk about the importance of mental health and how it has been viewed over the years. While life can be overwhelming at times, we discuss how turning to Jesus helps us find comfort, perspective, and healing. Instead of allowing anxiety and fear to control us, ... Show More
36m 8s
May 2024
Your Pain and Your Story All Make Sense to God: Dr. Josh Axe & J.S. Park
The content in this episode is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your physician to see what works best for you. During times of pain, loss, and grief, faith and a close ... Show More
27m 3s
Apr 25
God With Us: In Our Suffering
Hebrews is written to people who had suffered a great deal of persecution and difficulty. They were getting discouraged. Some of them were saying, “What good is this Christianity? We’re good people. Why are such bad things happening to us?” The writer is showing them that they ha ... Show More
25m 4s
Aug 2024
Why Doesn’t God Give Me What I Want? | Almost True | Part 4
Pursuing happiness comes naturally, but what do you do when life doesn't measure up? You might wonder, “Why doesn’t God give me what I want? Does He really care about me or my happiness?” Let’s talk about it.PRAYERIf you're facing something difficult, you don’t have to carry it a ... Show More
34m 35s
Dec 2024
How to Find Joy in Trials | Biblical Wisdom on Suffering with Pastor Harry
Discover how to navigate life's trials through a biblical lens, featuring an in-depth discussion on James 1:2-4. Learn why God allows trials, how to avoid wasting them, and practical ways to find joy in difficult seasons. Pastor Harry unpacks the purpose of suffering in the Chris ... Show More
20m 36s
Sep 2024
Making Sense Out of Suffering with Dr. Scott Hahn
We all experience suffering at some time in our lives. Our tribulations range from small disappointments to serious tragedies. Listen as scripture scholar and lay theologian, Dr. Scott Hahn, makes sense out of suffering by drawing from the wisdom and insight of God's Word. He hel ... Show More
56m 14s