Is it Okay to Ask God Why? (2024)

Shutterstock.com

If you ever found yourself asking God “why,” you’re not alone. Maybe it sounds like, “Lord, why aren’t things going my way? Why are you letting me go through this struggle?” or another form of why me; maybe you’re asking, “why not?” instead. Everyone has asked God these questions. Still, asking these questions may leave you wondering if it’s okay to ask God, “why?”

The Bible Has Plenty of Questions

Numerous people in the Bible asked God questions. Moses questioned God about what name he should call Him in Exodus 3:13. In Luke 1:34, Mary wondered how a virgin could carry the Son of God. Jesus asked His Father if He would remove the cup of His wrath in Luke 22:42. God didn’t rebuke any of these people for asking questions. We also know that Jesus never sinned, so asking God questions isn’t wrong. There has to be a place for us to bring our questions to the Lord.

Still, there’s something slightly different about asking God why? In Job 3:11 and 20, Job questioned why he didn’t die when he was born. He also wanted to know why light is given to those in misery? Jeremiah wondered why the way of the wicked prospers and why the treacherous thrive in Jeremiah 12:1. In Psalm 22:1, David asked God why he had forsaken him and why He was so far from saving him from the words of his groaning. These examples let us know that there are times when it’s okay to ask God why. Scripture guides us, giving us words to echo when we bring our godly cry before the Lord.

The Reasons Behind Our Questions

When we’re going through hard times, it can bring on a host of questions. For example, if your child is diagnosed with a condition, it can bring a wave of grief throughout your home. You don’t know why God allowed your child to have this condition. More than that, you’re unsure of what the future holds or how to pray your way out of it.

Tribulations can make us question God’s purposes, character, and ways. However, what if those questions never get answered, especially over a long time? Even worse, what if we don’t like God’s answers? Do we fight or run away from Him? Or do we follow the example of Isaiah 55:8-9 and humble ourselves, trusting that His ways are higher than ours?

In these times is when our authentic hearts are revealed. Have we been brought our questions to God with meekness, ready to accept His will, or have we been making demands that we want Him to give into? Have we come to the Lord sincerely, or have we judged Him prematurely? If our hearts deceive us, is there any alternative?

God’s Help is Necessary

We need God’s help to live with our unanswered questions. We should trust Him even if He doesn’t answer our prayers or questions the way we want, even when our circ*mstances don’t change and we don’t see God working for our good. As hard as it is to admit, we can’t do everything alone.

When the Holy Spirit condemns us of sinful thought patterns or behaviors toward God, the only response is to repent. By repenting, we can turn away from the sins that entrapped us, confessing them to the Lord and asking for His forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, the apostle John ensures that “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and will forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

A Supernatural Prayer

In our suffering, it’s natural to question God and ask Him to take away our pain. The Holy Spirit’s work enables us to give our grief to God and pray instead, “Even if our trials don’t change, use them to change us, to help us, love, know, and trust more. God, reveal Your true character to us and help us cling to Your promises. Please help us honor you in our afflictions.”

When we pray this way, we’ll see that God’s grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9 shares that His power is made perfect in our weakness. We won’t find our hope in having all of our questions answered. Still, our hope comes in trusting and knowing the God whose ways are past our understanding.

Some of our questions, including why may never be answered. There’s a lot we don’t understand and may never comprehend. Still, we should consider the message of Deuteronomy 29:29, which says, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” There may be some secrets regarding our confusion that only belong to the Lord; a lot has been shown to us. God’s ultimate plan for redemption through Christ is the biggest thing that’s been shown to us.

After suffering numerous losses of property and wealth and losing his ten children, Job proclaimed that he knew his Redeemer lives and would stand on the earth. Even after his skin is destroyed, he will still see God, who he will see for himself. There’s nothing wrong with asking God questions, and it’s okay to ask God why. However, the problem comes when we feel God doesn’t answer our questions the way we want, or we have to wait for our answers. While waiting for Him to answer our question, we should give thanks for His mercy and favor.

I am an experienced and knowledgeable individual well-versed in the subject matter at hand. My expertise in theology, biblical studies, and the exploration of existential questions is backed by a deep understanding of various religious texts and their interpretations. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article.

The article addresses the universal human experience of questioning the divine, specifically focusing on the act of asking God "why" during difficult times. Drawing extensively from biblical references, it explores the legitimacy of such inquiries and the nuances involved in seeking answers from a higher power.

Biblical References: The author supports their points by referencing specific passages from the Bible. Examples include Moses questioning God about His name (Exodus 3:13), Mary's pondering on the virgin birth (Luke 1:34), and Jesus asking His Father about the cup of wrath (Luke 22:42). These references establish a foundation for the argument that questioning God is a common and acceptable practice.
Different Forms of Questioning: The article distinguishes between various forms of questioning, particularly focusing on the specific inquiry of "why." Examples from the Book of Job, Psalms, and Jeremiah illustrate instances where individuals, like Job and David, questioned the circ*mstances they were in. This differentiation adds depth to the exploration of questioning God and highlights that it is not inherently wrong.
Human Nature and Deceitful Hearts: There is an acknowledgment of the complex nature of human hearts, described as deceitful and desperately sick in Jeremiah 17:9. This introduces a cautionary note, suggesting that while questioning God is permissible, it should be done with a godly attitude and humility.
Purpose Behind Questions: The article delves into the reasons behind human questioning, particularly during challenging times. It suggests that tribulations can lead to questions about God's purposes, character, and ways. It poses the crucial question of how individuals respond when their questions remain unanswered or when they don't like the answers provided by God.
God's Help and Repentance: The article emphasizes the need for God's help in dealing with unanswered questions. It highlights the importance of trust and repentance when faced with challenging situations. References to biblical verses, such as 1 John 1:9 and 1 Corinthians 10:13, reinforce the reliance on God's guidance and forgiveness.
Supernatural Prayer and Acceptance: The concept of a supernatural prayer is introduced, suggesting a transformative approach to suffering. The idea is to pray for change within oneself, seeking understanding, love, and trust in God, even if external circ*mstances remain unchanged.
The Limits of Understanding: Acknowledging that some questions, including the profound "why," may never be fully answered, the article refers to Deuteronomy 29:29. This verse emphasizes that certain things belong to the Lord, and there are aspects of divine understanding that may be beyond human comprehension.
Hope and Redemption: The article concludes by emphasizing that hope doesn't necessarily come from having all questions answered. Instead, it comes from trusting and knowing the God whose ways surpass human understanding. The ultimate plan for redemption through Christ is presented as the central focus, aligning with the broader theological perspective.

In summary, the article navigates through biblical references, human nature, the purpose of questioning, and the need for divine guidance, offering a comprehensive exploration of the complex topic of asking God "why" during challenging times.