Bob Hamp

The most frequently asked question in all of life is “why?”.  First, I want to point out the frustration inherent in the question.  Why is it that when things are difficult, people are most driven to ask the question which has the least to do with improving their circumstances?  Even if the goal is understanding, I repeat, understanding usually has little to do with men and women feeling more settled, or gaining power over their circumstances.  Yet the question almost seems to have a life of its own, pursuing us relentlessly with the need to be asked.

Why did they die?  Why did he leave?  Why them and not me?  Why me and not them? Why?

I think the question haunts us because of what we think the answer can do to settle our soul.  I also think that it haunts us because we are made for greater understanding than any of us currently posess. 

Then again, the question haunts us because of a misguided search to find justice…to assign responsibility.  “Why?” often carries the unconscious question “Whose fault is this?”.   And therein lies the danger.  If we can’t find the answer, our mind automatically, and in many cases, unconsciously, turns to the One who is ultimately responsible, God.  Too often, our desire to know why, carries an unintended and dangerous accusation against God. 

The more important question is “What?”

Look at your circumstance and ask:

“What does this mean?” What does it mean about me?  What does it mean about God? 

Are you less loved?  Is God less good?  Is this really the fulfillment of your fear, or is something else going on? 

The resolution and sucessful negotiation of my circumstances has more to do with how accurately I perceive reality in the midst of ,and at the conclusion of my circumstances.  Has my circumstance changed how I see myself?  Has it changed how I see God?

The answer to the question “why?” can often be unsatisfying and in some cases destructive.  Ask instead “what?”  What is true?  Is God good?  Is He near?  Is He powerful? Am I loved?  Ask “what?” and be sure you don’t let your circumstances, unfinished as they are provide the answer to the “what” questions.

He is Good. He is near. He is powerful. And you are loved.