Wondering Why

These are uncertain days. People wonder what tomorrow will bring. They are full of questions and anxiety. No one knows for certain if their lives are going to maintain a sense of normalcy or be interrupted by some tragedy or unexpected disappointment. Often, when tragedy or disappointment comes, the question follows; “Why?”

I don’t have an answer for the question. The Bible, however, does give a reason for the question and some advice regarding our response to the unforeseen circumstances that we face. In Proverbs 3:5 the Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.” The reason that most people ask “why” is because they are leaning on their own understanding. The Bible also says that God’s ways are not man’s ways. It is not possible, or reasonable for us, with human ability, to understand why God allows the things He does.

When we don’t understand what God is doing, we are simply to “trust.” That’s not always easy, but it does provide an opportunity for peace when we recognize that God knows what He is doing. His plan is perfect, and in days to come He will reveal His purpose for all that happens.

So, for a Christian, uncertainty does not have to mean anxiety. If we can just remember that “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28), we can have the “…peace of God, which passeth all understanding…” (Philippians 4:7).

God is in control of every circumstance. He knows what He is doing. And we can trust Him in every situation, but especially when we find ourselves wondering “why.”