Why?!

Why? … Why…?!

Have you ever asked that question? Something happens in your life that you just don’t understand, and you search for answers. Why?

It’s a fair question. But what do you do with that question?
Are you even allowed to ask it?
Will you get an answer? And could you understand that answer?
Who is supposed to answer it?
Is God responsible?

Even more fair and logical questions. Go ahead and ask them; God can handle it.

The danger when you pursue a “why” question is that the answer might be too “simple.” Like: Do ‘a’ and don’t forget ‘b,’ and you’ll be fine. But it’s rarely that straightforward. The “why” question exists for a reason. A simple answer doesn’t do justice to the difficult situations where these questions arise. Still, today I’d like to point you in two directions that may help when you’re seeking answers to your “why.”

Our first passage from Isaiah says that God’s thoughts are higher than ours. Deeper. All-encompassing. I think of it this way: if we think in three dimensions, God probably thinks in 57. Everything is greater to Him. He is God, and I am human. A valuable human, created in His image, but limited. I don’t see the whole picture. I can’t comprehend it all. God is greater. His thoughts far exceed mine. He sees the whole picture. It’s good to keep that in mind.

God is God.
And I am not.

That helps. At least, if you can let go of your situation and place it in His hands.

God is good.
And I am often not.

Cry out, ask, voice your “why” question – and at the same time, remember: He is God, and He has everything in His hands.

What is your role and place in all of this?

Our second passage points to that, or rather, it offers an invitation. God invites you to talk with Him, to express your worries, your “why” questions, your pain, and everything else to Him. He doesn’t want you to carry it alone. You don’t have to “fix” it yourself.

God wants to give you peace.
Shalom in a situation of pain.

Easy? No!
True? Yes, it is.
A quick solution? Sometimes, but often not.

What, then, is the purpose of it all?

Any answer would fall short here, but I want to share a saying that has helped me during times when I struggled with “why”:

“Every situation has the potential to glorify God and to teach you to trust Him more.”

Take these questions with you to reflect on:

• Do you have “why” questions in your life?
• What do you do with them?
• How might Jesus respond to your “why” question?
• What do today’s two passages teach you?

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, it is so painful when things happen that affect me so deeply that all I can cry out is ‘why.’ You hear it, don’t You? You see it, don’t You? Lord, I am struggling. Some things are too heavy for me. Too great, too high. Thank You for standing beside me and assuring me that You are not far away but near. Will You let me feel that today? Amen.”