Living With Questions for God!

Why? Why? Why?  There are so many questions that start with that one word.  Why do we ask why questions?  Reading one author, "We ask why questions because there's deeply ingrained in us a fundamental belief that somehow life on this planet should make sense."  There is something deep down in our souls that says we should be able to make sense of this life...this planet...this extreme swing from joy to sorrow.

Sometimes the fact that we are asking questions may seem like there is a dark cloud over our heads.  That we can't see clearly and that our vision is ....well...clouded.  Clouds that are similar to this photo taken by Arilyn Zunti.  Frightening...and yet intriguing. 

There is a prophet in the Old Testament who was comfortable with asking God questions.  In fact, the book with his name attached to it reads more like a prayer journal with God than a prophetic declaration.  His name is Habakkuk.  As you read through the book you will find that the structure is very simple.  Habakkuk asks a question and God answers.  As a result of that answer, Habakkuk asks another question and God gives a second answer.  Then Habakkuk concludes with a prayer that contains praise and a confession of faith that sounds similar to something Job would have said or written.

Asking questions means that we are seeking!  This is good as God is desirous of us seeking Him for truth and meaning and understanding in this life and the next.  If you were to read through the Bible you would find many people that would be listed as righteous or godly asking questions of God.  It seems like the prophets were always asking questions and the leaders and shepherds like King David.  He wasn't afraid of letting God know his thoughts or his frustrations or how he saw life on earth. 

Questions are good as they lead us to answers and so I believe that it is very healthy and right for us to be asking questions of God and expecting answers of some kind.  God Almighty is very interested in revealing who He is and what His plan is for this planet and all these people.  He even has a plan and purpose for your life.  Right where you are there is a reason for it and a plan for you to use the breath and strength you have and the talents and gifts in order to help others and to focus your attention of God. God has used all of creation to point us to himself and even when  you look in the mirror, you can see the fingerprints of God in your design and beauty.

What can we learn from Habakkuk?
Right from the beginning he got one thing.  He brought all his issues and concerns and frustrations and questions and even anger to God, to the only person who could do anything about them.  Many of us are asking lots of questions but we are asking each other instead of God.  Like we have the answers to the Universe!  Those people are few and far between but there is a God who has the answers and is willing to take us out of our comfort zone to see that our only comfort can only be in Him.  He will remove our props that we have been using so that we learn to only lean on Him. 

If you are going through a difficult time right now I would encourage you to keep asking God questions and have an open ear to what He might be saying to you.  Just because you question God doesn't mean that he is insulted or angry with you.....Good father's like questions because it means that the person is growing and maturing.  I will let you know that we might not get all our questions answered here on this earth.  I know I still have several that I have that I'm waiting for an answer, but I have faith to believe in a God who knows what's best for me and He will tell me when and if it is necessary.  In the meantime....I will choose to trust him. 

I like what Habakkuk writes near the end of his book as recorded in chapter 3 verses 17-19 from the English Standard Version of the Bible.
¹⁷ Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
¹⁹ God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer's;
    he makes me tread on my high places.

He declares that no matter what it looks like around him....he will choose to trust in God.  The strength he finds for a new day, to pursue God's plan and design for his life is found only in God.  That is where I am standing today.  Where ever you are....keep asking questions, but be ready for an answer...you just might be surprised to find out....God is listening.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian