Better View, Part IISample

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We all have questions in life. Some are small and can seem insignificant, while others feel overwhelming, especially when we don’t know the answer to them. As followers of Christ, we often feel pressure to stay upbeat and wear a smile, even if it’s fake. But let’s acknowledge the truth that this life is not perfect. It is broken and so are we—the fall of man echoes loudly through our world today. And as creation groans to be healed (Romans 8:22), we also struggle through questions, looking around this world knowing in our hearts that this is not how it was meant to be!

Have you ever wondered if it’s okay to question God? Is it okay to ask Him why something horrible in our world happens? Is it okay to ask why He didn’t seem to step in? One of the wonderful gifts of the Bible is that we see examples of how to live, how to trust, and even how to question God.

The psalmists questioned God in many situations. They asked Him things like …

• O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? Psalm 10:1 NLT
• “O God my rock,” I cry, “why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?” Psalm 42:9 NLT
• Why do you look the other way? Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression? Psalm 44:24 NLT

The psalmists don’t shy away from asking God about the struggles they’re experiencing in their own lives and how distant He can feel in rough times.

But even in the questioning, they remembered God’s promises and God’s character. Even in their questioning they chose to put their hope and faith in the Lord because of what they and the generations before them experienced with God.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:11 NLT

As we ask God questions, let’s also remember a couple of things.

1. We are not alone. The Holy Spirit is praying alongside us as we seek answers.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT

2. God gives us peace. Even in the midst of our questions we can be comforted by the peace of God.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

We’re invited to ask questions and seek truth, which helps us learn more about God and His character—especially through the difficult things in life. May our questions deepen our faith by drawing us closer, into more intimate conversation with God.

—Ashten Wellman

Listen to “?” on the Switch Music YouTube channel or at life.church/worship