Is it okay to bring your questions to God?

Oxford Languages defines ‘questioning’ as the act of asking someone questions, especially in an official context, and showing an interest in learning new things. I don’t know about you but I find that when you talk about ‘questioning’, generally speaking, the definition that pops into many people’s minds first is ‘expressing doubts about the value or truth of something’. Being an inquisitive person, I’m naturally inclined to ask questions or seek information. I enjoy pondering about many things, the big things and the seemingly insignificant things. Today I got to pondering about asking God questions.

I was chatting to someone close to me earlier and they mentioned they were spending time reading the Bible, reflecting, and asking God questions about what He’s directing them to do with their life. As we chatted, it emerged that like me, they had done this before and received a response. Yet they were asking God the same questions again. I was very encouraged to hear that I’m not the only one who does this. I feel like I have been asking God the same questions over and over for years despite receiving a response for many of these questions. It’s easy to start to feel bad for asking.

Also, this person I was chatting to is a very wise and dedicated Christian who I look up to very much. This reaffirmed how normal and natural questioning is. It told me that no matter how mature I become as a Christian, I will still question and I think that is a good thing. There is nothing inherently wrong with questioning. Questioning serves a purpose and I’ve categorised this into five reasons why we question: searching for an answer, seeking reassurance, asking for confirmation, soliciting strength, and expressing doubt.

Searching for an answer

One of the reasons we ask questions is because we have a need – a need for an answer or for some kind of provision. Jesus’ heart is to provide for us, to answer our deepest needs as well as our minor needs. He said, “Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? ….But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

Seeking reassurance

Often, when we question God, we are actually looking for encouragement. There are many times where I have prayed and have heard an answer from God. Yet because what God has said has not yet manifested, I might ask the same questions again. Perhaps a new development has happened or something I hadn’t considered suddenly comes to light. Worry and even fear may begin to creep in. Asking the same questions sometimes is a response to that worry or fear that threatens me. As a child running to her dad, I ask him to reassure me and He is more than happy to do so. 

Asking for confirmation

“Did I hear what I think I heard, Jesus?” “Did you really say what I think you said, God?”

“Was that your voice or was that actually my own?” I can’t tell you how many times I have asked these questions in one form or another. This is typically when I first hear a response from God and I want to test or confirm it to make sure, especially if it is surprising or unusual. Questioning, in this instance, serves the purpose of ensuring that we are aligned with God. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Expressing doubt

This brings me to the issue of doubt or unbelief. Perhaps God has placed something on your heart and you don’t think it can or will happen. One of the things I struggle with, personally, is believing it can happen for me. When we receive God’s counsel or response, we’re told not to doubt but to believe because doubting causes us to drift and be unanchored. We feel troubled, uneasy, and not at peace. However, when you doubt, I think it is important to remember that Jesus does not judge you. Instead, He shows mercy, grace and compassion. Therefore, you must also show yourself mercy, grace and compassion. You can ask God to help you overcome doubt and free you from it and He will.

Soliciting strength

Let’s imagine that God has confirmed something he’s placed on your heart. You have faith, there’s not a shred of doubt in you. You are confident in Christ. Yet when you are going through it all, it starts to feel like it’s too much for you. Sometimes, we might question God, not because we don’t believe or need confirmation or an answer but because we just need strength to stay the course. When you’re in the midst of a difficult situation, it takes a lot of strength to endure. Challenges can test every aspect of you until you’re exhausted or spent and you may start to ask God some tough questions. There were many times in the past when I knew what I needed to do but I thought I didn’t have it in me to do it or to keep going. 

At times, I found myself saying, “It shouldn’t be this difficult if you’re in it, God.” Yet that is exactly the case during those times. I may face so many obstacles and opposition in the course of doing what God has called me to do and they may feel like they’re beyond me. I’ve come to understand that Christ did not promise an easy life. However, he did promise to be with us always and to carry our burdens. In times of difficulty, I have found that I can cry out to God and He rescues me and gives me strength. As a friend of God, you do not have to endure on your own. Jesus gives you the strength to keep going and to overcome. 

What are your thoughts and experiences when it comes to questioning?

Love,