The “Why’s” of Life

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Mark 15:34)

Isn’t it wrong to ask God “why?” Isn’t it wrong to question God? One day I was reading this verse, and suddenly I realized that Jesus asked God “why?” While Jesus was on the cross, dying for the sins of the world, He asked God, “Why have You forsaken Me?” We all know that God did not forsake Jesus. We also know that Jesus never sinned, so asking God “why” does not have to be wrong. Just by including the Lord in our thoughts shows a step of faith. It shows faith because we are praying, acknowledging that He is listening, and God will reward our faith.

By being honest with the Lord, our hearts are softened to receive His wisdom involving the things of the past, while helping us to move forward in faith for future decisions. God tells us in James 1:5-8:

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

So the “why” questions are not the sin, but receiving an answer to those questions and then doubting the answer is the sin.

Today, start asking “why” about things you do not understand and ask the Lord to help you to go forward in faith. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom in how to receive His answers to the “why” questions in your life. Pray for faith, as we know that without faith, it is impossible to please God. As our faith grows, we will move forward to make decisions as the Lord leads us and we will trust in His guidance and direction for all things. The goal is to get past the “why’s” and move on to the “what’s”–trust, obey and get going.

When I read this I couldn’t help but think, He desires for us to be so real with Him and to talk with Him and share our thought’s with Him, even the Why’s. He won’t become angry with us, He already knows our thoughts and He desires to have a real relationship with us. So go to God in prayer, in conversation and ask the Why’s, then be patient and wait for the answer and continue moving forward, knowing He’s got you, He’s faithful and He won’t fail you. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Colossians 2, Psalm 46