Asking Questions the Right Way

All questions of God are not the same. Some bring answers. Others increase the confusion. Keep Reading…

READ
Isaiah 40:13-14 - Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?

REFLECT
We have many questions for God, and rightly so. The anguished cry out, “Why did you let this happen?” The confused whisper, “Now what? What do I do next?” The soul seeking comfort calls, “Where are You?”

The questions are a natural result of our human limitations. It’s like we can only see one piece of the puzzle and miss the full scope of what’s really going on. 1 Corinthians 13:12 The questions are normal. But the way we ask them is even more important than the questions themselves.

Sometimes we put God on trial with our questions. When we are the judge and God is the defendant, our questions will come out wrong. Our position of humility is vital in our questions of God. There is only One who actually has command of ALL the facts and has perspective of EVERY hidden motive. In fact, God did not learn all of his information from human sources. He has always known it. Isaiah 40:14 When we act like God is missing out on some key information, our questioning heart is misled. When we make God prove his innocence, our questions quickly turn into accusations.

There is a difference between a question and an accusation. God rushes to comfort and bring clarity to the humble, questioning child - even when the words come out all wrong. But, God “opposes the proud” questioner who guises his accusations with a question. 1 Peter 5:5 The accuser comes to God with his mind already made up of God’s guilt and then asks a question to sound religious.

As soon as pride or religion enter into the conversation, that is what God will be focused on. He will want to remove these hindrances to real relationship. So, do not think you will receive any clarity from God if there is pride within you rising itself against God. It will be God’s intention to weed the pride out so that comfort and clarity can come.

RESPOND
Asking questions the right way opens you up to real answers. Asking in the wrong way further darkens your already jaded mind. Have you noticed any finger-pointing or accusation against God in your prayers? Have you taken the position of the judge? Take time to humble yourself before the Lord. Then his grace will come. With the grace comes the comfort and answers that your soul really needs.