Life feels heavy right now. In just the last week, we’ve watched tragedy strike—families grieving, lives cut short, and violence close to home. Whether you’re a staunch Christian or just beginning in your walk of faith, these tragic moments leave many of us asking:
“God, why? Where are You in all of this?”
“Why would a holy God would allow these things to occur?”
Maybe even, “Should I be questioning God?”
The truth—yes, God is here alongside of us, through it all. And yes, you can question God. The Bible is full of people who did.
Real Questions. Real People.
First off, God tells us He never leaves or abandons us. We know that in suffering or trials, He is there. But we also know, that His response or presence is not a function of our own timing, but His.
For example, the prophet Habakkuk cried out: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?”
King David prayed: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
Even the disciples who walked with Jesus for years wrestled with doubt after His death. Questioning, doubting, wondering where God is in the midst of pain, and wrestling with God aren’t signs of weak faith—they’re part of living out faith in a broken world.
Starting today, examine your own daily patterns. Are you trying to hide from God or afraid to question Him? Instead of tamping down the desire to question, try bringing those questions into prayer, writing them into a journal for further reflection, and talking about those questions with a close friend or loved one.
God is nearer than you think, sometimes allowing us to question in order to bring those cares to him.
God Invites Your Honesty
At Shepherd’s Gate, we believe God welcomes raw, unfiltered prayers. He already knows your doubts, fears, and heartbreak. He’s big enough to handle your questions.
That’s why the Bible tells us:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Think about that—God actually cares. Not in a distant, abstract way, but right in the middle of your pain, confusion, and sleepless nights. This is how we know he doesn’t only allow our questioning but truly embraces it. He knows we are living in a fallen, broken world, and calls us to share our questions and fears with Him!
Some might question, “If He knows my doubts and fears, why should I bring them to Him?”
This is the part of God’s design for us to live in relationship with Him. Would you want to be friends with someone you couldn’t share your feelings or concerns with? Would you feel true connection with someone who didn’t allow you or welcome you to be open with them? In the same way, the Lord invites us to be open and honest with Him, as it’s not only part of our processing the world around us but also part of deepening our trust and relationship with Him.
To hear more about Questioning God, listen to Pastor Tim’s sermon here.
