Asking Why?

[rainbowAlice]

A question that I have encoutered frequently, as it relates to out relationship to God, is whether or not it is acceptible to question God. Specifically, to ask God, Why?

My answer is "no" and this is my reasoning...

"Why" is a control question. We want the answer, typically during difficult circumstances, in order to regain control over our environment.

For example: When you ask, "why did this person have to die" aren't you really saying, "please give me the answer to my suffering and confusion" which would in turn, if God chose to answer the question, would give you "control over your situation and alleviate the discomfort".

Another example: 'why did I have to get laid off? I have a wife and kids at home that count on me." Aren't you really saying, "please tell me why this happened so that I can alleviate this discomfort." "I am scared."  "Please rid me of this unknowingness in order for me to gain back control over my circumstances."

We are asking"Why" to regain control of our lives during, usually, emotionally difficult situations.

God is not in the business of giving us control," ...for the righteousness shall live by faith". Galatians 3:11

It is during times of uncertainity that we are given the opportunity to receive the continued blessing of relying on God and His control while enriching our faith!

Life is a series of processess. When you are in one, there appears to be no end in sight. We want control, we want to ask "Why?"

It is relying on  God's "sight"; Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

And the Lord says, "I will never leave thee or forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

For it is in His name we pray,

Blessings.

 

[teddyv]

The Book of Job is one long treatise on the question of "Why?".

[Not me]

23 minutes ago, rainbowAlice said:

A question that I have encoutered frequently, as it relates to out relationship to God, is whether or not it is acceptible to question God. Specifically, to ask God, Why?

My answer is "no" and this is my reasoning...

"Why" is a control question. We want the answer, typically during difficult circumstances, in order to regain control over our environment.

For example: When you ask, "why did this person have to die" aren't you really saying, "please give me the answer to my suffering and confusion" which would in turn, if God chose to answer the question, would give you "control over your situation and alleviate the discomfort".

Another example: 'why did I have to get laid off? I have a wife and kids at home that count on me." Aren't you really saying, "please tell me why this happened so that I can alleviate this discomfort." "I am scared."  "Please rid me of this unknowingness in order for me to gain back control over my circumstances."

We are asking"Why" to regain control of our lives during, usually, emotionally difficult situations.

God is not in the business of giving us control," ...for the righteousness shall live by faith". Galatians 3:11

It is during times of uncertainity that we are given the opportunity to receive the continued blessing of relying on God and His control while enriching our faith!

Life is a series of processess. When you are in one, there appears to be no end in sight. We want control, we want to ask "Why?"

It is relying on  God's "sight"; Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

And the Lord says, "I will never leave thee or forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

For it is in His name we pray,

Blessings.

 

Hi, God does say ‘come let us reason together’, for me, that says God is perfectly ok with the why question..

But one is to walk by the light that has been revealed in them.. So go with what the peace of Christ in your heart is teaching you, for in that you can never go wrong..

Be blessed in your pursuing of Him..

A fellow pursuer, Not me  

Edited June 20, 2021 by Not me

[Lolly]

I agree that God does not turnover His sovereignty to us, and for that reason, He may not answer our question. Still, I believe that Scripture is clear about showing us that we can always go to Him about anything. Indeed, He even places His Spirit within us. I do appreciate the thoughtfulness of your post.

[Lolly]

37 minutes ago, teddyv said:

The Book of Job is one long treatise on the question of "Why?".

That’s true, and I love God’s response! He takes Job on a whirlwind ride and shows him secrets in his creation.

[Sower]

1 hour ago, rainbowAlice said:

A question that I have encountered frequently, as it relates to out relationship to God, is whether or not it is acceptable to question God. Specifically, to ask God, Why?

Neat post, Alice.

I agree that we don't have any right to God's reasons for his actions, as he is our creator, we are created beings.
And faith and trust must be exercised as we are his children.
But I believe it's OK nevertheless to cry out to God over a painful hurt,
crying out "Why Father did this have to happen" in our grief.
I do not believe our heavenly Father would be upset in coming to him with our sorrows.
And believe it wise to cast our burdens upon him. And as he created our emotions, he understands.
Eventually, our comforter will give us God's perfect peace...
Not knowing the answers increases our faith muscles...

[Riverwalker]

3 hours ago, rainbowAlice said:

A question that I have encoutered frequently, as it relates to out relationship to God, is whether or not it is acceptible to question God. Specifically, to ask God, Why?

My answer is "no" and this is my reasoning...

"Why" is a control question. We want the answer, typically during difficult circumstances, in order to regain control over our environment.

For example: When you ask, "why did this person have to die" aren't you really saying, "please give me the answer to my suffering and confusion" which would in turn, if God chose to answer the question, would give you "control over your situation and alleviate the discomfort".

Another example: 'why did I have to get laid off? I have a wife and kids at home that count on me." Aren't you really saying, "please tell me why this happened so that I can alleviate this discomfort." "I am scared."  "Please rid me of this unknowingness in order for me to gain back control over my circumstances."

We are asking"Why" to regain control of our lives during, usually, emotionally difficult situations.

God is not in the business of giving us control," ...for the righteousness shall live by faith". Galatians 3:11

It is during times of uncertainity that we are given the opportunity to receive the continued blessing of relying on God and His control while enriching our faith!

Life is a series of processess. When you are in one, there appears to be no end in sight. We want control, we want to ask "Why?"

It is relying on  God's "sight"; Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

And the Lord says, "I will never leave thee or forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5

For it is in His name we pray,

Blessings.

 

Its okay to ask why, if you are willing to take any answer He gives.  Asking why to understand and asking why to challenge God...two very different things

[Michael37]

4 hours ago, rainbowAlice said:

A question that I have encoutered frequently, as it relates to out relationship to God, is whether or not it is acceptible to question God. Specifically, to ask God, Why?

My answer is "no" and this is my reasoning...

"Why" is a control question. We want the answer, typically during difficult circumstances, in order to regain control over our environment.

I am interested to know what you think about Jesus Himself asking God why, as follows . . .

Mat 27:45-46  Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.  (46)  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
 

[rainbowAlice]

2 hours ago, Sower said:

Neat post, Alice.

I agree that we don't have any right to God's reasons for his actions, as he is our creator, we are created beings.
And faith and trust must be exercised as we are his children.
But I believe it's OK nevertheless to cry out to God over a painful hurt,
crying out "Why Father did this have to happen" in our grief.
I do not believe our heavenly Father would be upset in coming to him with our sorrows.
And believe it wise to cast our burdens upon him. And as he created our emotions, he understands.
Eventually, our comforter will give us God's perfect peace...
Not knowing the answers increases our faith muscles...

still waters run deep...

Thank you for the meaningful response. My perspective has broadened.

[LearningToLetGo]

1 hour ago, Riverwalker said:

Asking why to understand and asking why to challenge God...two very different things

You bring up a good point. "Why" means different things in different context. For example: A bad thing happens and you ask God, "Why?" This is an expression of pain and confusion. Second example: God commands you to perform, or not perform, some action. You ask, "Why?" This is a statement of distrust and a challenge to God's authority.

Edited June 21, 2021 by LearningToLetGo