Why Ask God “Why”?

 

Why Bother Asking God “Why”?

Shortly after my husband passed away, I was reading one of many books on grief, widows, and how to process it all. This particular author asked the question, “Have you ever asked God ‘Why?’” She went on to discuss in depth the fact that we often don’t ask God “Why?” because, in her opinion, God doesn’t answer that question anyway! As I thought about what she said in the rest of that chapter, I sensed my frustration growing.

While I understand what she was saying, I really just don’t agree with that position! My experience was completely different than that. I asked God why He took Dave when he seemed to be at his most effective place in ministry. I felt that God gave me some really good answers that satisfied my heart.

So, let’s take a little deeper look at this idea of questioning God. The first thing we need to realize is that God is working from a knowledge that is infinite. We are reminded that our human understanding is limited to only what we know; God’s understanding is based on limitless knowledge.

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” – Psalm 147:5

Isaiah 55:8-9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

With that as our starting point, we can go on to discover that the Bible is filled with verses that encourage us to ask questions and seek understanding from God. Here are some key scriptures that highlight the importance of asking God questions:

• James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
• Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
• Proverbs 2:3-5: “Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

In light of this encouragement to ask God for understanding, perhaps our next question should be, “Should we be asking our Why differently?” Lots of people in the Bible asked God “why” questions:

• Moses asked, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant?” Numbers 11:11
• David asked, “Oh Lord why do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1
• Jeremiah wondered, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” (Jeremiah 12:1)
• Habakkuk asked, “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?” Habakkuk 1:3
• Job asked, “Why have you made me your target?” Job 7:20
• The disciples asked, “Why was this man born blind?” John 9:2
• Jesus on the cross asked God “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

In each of these situations, God either answered the question directly, or the person eventually could see the wisdom of things happening the way they did. These are the times that reveal our motive. Have we asked with humility, ready to receive His answers – or have we been demanding, wanting Him to explain Himself to us?!

These biblical examples reassure us that there is indeed an appropriate time to ask God “Why?” It would seem that the problem God has with “Why?” is not so much with our asking the question as it is with the attitude of our heart when we ask it! Asking God for understanding from a sincere and humble heart will gain a positive, loving response. The problem comes when we ask the question as a challenge to God, or out of a rebellious heart that wants our own way rather than the will of God.

God is always ready to listen and guide us, providing wisdom and understanding when we seek Him with sincerity. He encourages us to bring our doubts and fears to Him, where He meets us with love and wisdom. By asking questions, we open up conversations with our Creator, creating a space for dialogue and deeper understanding.

So, as you process and walk your way through this grief and loss, don’t be afraid to ask God all of your questions. He’s concerned with the healing of your heart, and He will give you answers that may speak only to you. But they are guaranteed to satisfy you and leave your heart and mind in peace that passes all human understanding.

As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome here or you can email me at sheryl@freshhope.us. If you’re looking for a new purpose and a pathway to move ahead, please consider joining one of our Refocusing Widows groups, either in person or online. You can register at www.refocusingwidows.org/Groups. We look forward to meeting you!