Psalm 10:1—Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
Ecclesiastes 7:10—Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.
Jeremiah 12:1—You are always righteous, O Lord, when I bring a case before You. Yet I would speak with You about Your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?
Habakkuk 1:13—Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do You tolerate the treacherous? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?
Matthew 13:10—The disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”
Mat.17:19—Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn't we drive it out?”
There is that stage in a child’s life when questions never seem to end. “Why Mommy?” can change from melodic cuteness to dripping rain. Yet, we must be careful not to let our impatience squelch curiosity. Jesus loved the children and admonished His disciples not to prevent them from coming to Him. I suspect He loved their questions, their innocence and uncontained affection.
Have you ever felt restricted from asking God questions that burn inside your heart? Is there a sense that Christians are supposed to have all the answers—that questioning is a sign of immaturity? I, for one, am skeptical of those who always have some pat solution. Sometimes even a “spiritual” bucket can contain hogwash.
The Bible illustrates a variety of questions that godly people felt free to send heavenward. It reveals that God is big enough to address humongous dilemmas. It also indicates growth often in the lives of those who dialogue with Him. King David is a great example of this. He wrote psalms that began questioning God. Yet in the end, we find him praising the Father He didn’t understand.
Questions can be an excuse to avoid obeying the Lord, or a sign that we lack faith. But there are also those times when our hurt boils to the surface and we need to ask, “Why God?” assured that He is glad we ran to Him.
Life is full of quandaries. Better to be honest about what we don’t know than to give the appearance that we have all the answers. Who is omniscient, the Creator or the created?
Inspiration
