Townsend uses stories and experiences to address readers who feel as if God is absent from their lives.

"We are living in hard times these days, all of us in our country, and all over the world," he writes. "And an incredible number of people, every day, are asking 'Where Is God?' They want to know what He is doing in these times, how He can make a difference, and what they can do in the process."

Townsend divides his book into three parts: Why does a loving God allow us to experience difficulties?, How is God active in the middle of our hard times? and How can I find God? Chapter titles include "Freedom in the Service of Love," "The God Who Suffers With Me," "The God Who Transforms You" and "The God of Faith When There Are No Answers."

"We must exercise faith," he writes. "We don't pretend we're fine. We don't deny it. But we trust in Him. The result is a double benefit: 'And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him' (Heb. 11:6 NLT). The first, that we please God. The second, that He rewards us in some form or fashion."

Thomas Nelson will support the release of Where Is God? with a national print and online campaign that will include ads for the American Association of Christian Counselors, Web sites, radio, television and newspapers. An unabridged audiobook (978-1-400-31622-9, $24.99) is also available.

To order, call Thomas Nelson at 800-251-4000 or visit www.thomasnelson.com.