Is it OK to question God?
We 100% have the freedom to talk to God about anything—even if it is to ask Him why He allowed (or didn't allow) something to happen. In Habakkuk, we find the prophet questioning God's choices about timing and how He carried out His plans.
"How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! 'Violence is everywhere!' I cry, but you do not come to save." —Habakkuk 1:2 (NLT)
Instead of getting upset with Habakkuk, God answered Him quite patiently, explaining why He did what He did, reminding him how He had saved Him in the past, and giving him encouragement for the future. In the end, Habakkuk praised God for His wisdom and protection.
"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." —Habakkuk 3:18
Now, keep in mind that God doesn't always answer this clearly or in the way we want Him to. After all, it's not like He's a vending machine or someone we can force to agree with whatever we want. But you can be assured that He will always be honest, and He will always tell you what you need to hear when you need to hear it. Trust that His timing is right in how much He reveals to you.
The Right Attitude
It's OK to ask ask God, "Why did this happen?" or even saying, "I wish this didn't happen." God knows what's going on in your heart, and He welcomes you to talk to Him about the things that worry you. Be honest with Him and have a healthy attitude when you approach Him. God always listens to the prayers of those believe He's listening (John 9:31).
"Anyone who comes to [God] must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." —Hebrews 11:6
On the other hand, having a bitter or untrusting heart that approaches God with a rebellious spirit is definitely another thing. Attacking God's ability to make the best choices for us or demeaning His character is both disrespectful and hypocritical. When we come to God that way, it's like we're throwing a tantrum instead of truly seeking an answer—simply venting rage instead of looking for actual help.
It's the difference between an angry little toddler who screams, "You're the worst mom ever!" and a kid who's honestly saying, "Why did this happen to me?"
The Best Questions
"This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." —1 John 5:14
Having doubts is one thing and a totally natural and normal thing to feel. We all sometimes wonder why things happen the way they do. God would love to talk to you about your doubts. He's not intimidated or afraid of anything we have to say. He loves you and wants to communicate with Him.
When you want to "question God," do a quick heart check. Are you approaching Him humbly? Is your mind open to what He has to say? Do you just need to vent? Do you care what wisdom God has for you? Set your heart and expectations to receive God's guidance in whatever way He sees best for you at this time in your life.
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TL;DR
Yes, we have the freedom to talk to God about literally anything on our hearts or minds. It's OK to cry or vent to Him; He can handle it. God will always listen and answer, though He doesn't always answer how we want Him to. But you can be assured that He will always be honest, and He will always tell you what you need to hear when you need to hear it. Trust that His timing is right in how much He reveals to you (Hebrews 11:6).
Writer/Editor: Catiana (Cat)
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
