Because of the weather, we called off church yesterday and Shannon and I recorded his sermon while sitting at the kitchen table. I got to talk a bit too (If you want to listen click here. It's about 20 minutes long). Something Shannon said has stuck with me since. The title of the sermon was "Finding God in the darkness" so obviously Shannon talked about how to live when we are in a dark time. Shannon said, "We live by promises, not be reasons why."
I interpreted that as it's more important to be with God in the darkness than to try and figure out why the darkness is there. Also, it's more important to say, "Here I am, God" than "Why, God?"
When I have a rough time or a challenge doesn't seem to end I've often found myself asking God "Why?" rather than just waiting it out knowing God will bring it all together for my good. I am pretty sure I've spent a lot of time asking "why" when I could have been focusing on God's faithfulness and goodness.
There's nothing wrong with asking why. Scripture validates this. Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter."
If people never asked why we would not progress in science and medicine and all types of stewardship. If people don't ask why in relationships we'd have a lot more misunderstandings. So, asking why is not wrong. It is just that sometimes we aren't going to get an answer. In those times we just have to rest in the uncertainty knowing God is certain. Knowing God is good. Knowing God is faithful.
I'm thinking of a little child who keeps asking Mom "Why?" while sitting on her lap. The mom finally says, "Just because" and wraps the child in her arms. The child rests against her and relaxes into her warmth. That is what we are to do with God when we can't figure it out.
"Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother. My soul is like a weaned child within me . . . hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever." Psalm 131:3