Is it okay to question God?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

It is not wrong to question God, as long as we do so with reverence and trust in His perfect character. Scripture shows that while God may not answer in the way we expect, He always provides what we need to live faithfully (Deuteronomy 29:29). Many in the Bible—such as the psalmists, Solomon, Moses, Habakkuk, and even martyrs in Revelation—asked sincere questions without being condemned. However, questioning becomes inappropriate when it accuses God of wrongdoing, as seen in Jonah’s misplaced anger and Job’s humbling experience. Ultimately, we can bring our questions to God, knowing He is good, wise, and working all things for the good of those who trust Him (Romans 8:28).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In Exodus chapter three Moses asks God many questions relating to his call to go to the pharaoh on behalf of the people of Israel.
• God often does not answer us in the way we expect, but He provides exactly what His people need to know to live for Him (Deuteronomy 29:29).
• There is a difference between sincerely asking God questions and accusing Him of wrongdoing (Job 38-42).
• The Psalms offer an important section of Scripture that asks God many questions often about wisdom or justice. While answers are not always provided, there is no criticism given in Scripture regarding such questions.
• The book of Ecclesiastes is another book in which the author (traditionally Solomon) asks difficult questions about life and seeks to find the answers to them through various methods. In the end, the conclusion is given to "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1) and to "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
• When we ask God questions, we should not accuse God of having bad judgment, like Jonah did. The prophet became angry when God showed compassion to the people of Nineveh and chose not to judge and destroy them as He had commanded Jonah to preach. Jonah 4:2 shares, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster." God was not pleased with Jonah's response, but instead noted the importance of His compassion upon those who repented at Jonah's preaching (Jonah 4:10-11).
• The book of Habakkuk largely consists of a question and answer format in which the prophet Habakkuk asks God questions regarding His toleration of wrong and God answers with future predictions of His justice. For example, Habakkuk 1:2 begins by asking, "O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?" The Lord answers with prophecies related to how He would help in the future.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When we ask God questions, we should not attack His good character. Throughout Scripture we see that God is perfect. He is worthy of our trust because He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18).
• The heavenly vision of Revelation 6 offers insight into God's attitude toward questions. Those who had been slain for their faith ask, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" (Revelation 6:10). God responds with a call for them to wait until the proper time.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

To question God is not wrong. This is clear due to occasions in the Bible where people asked God questions and He was not offended or angered. With that being said, we should certainly approach God with honor, knowing that He has knowledge about our situation that we simply will not be able to grasp. Instead of making hasty judgments about God’s decisions or character, we should remind ourselves that He is fully trustworthy. Even when we face trials and hardships, we can know it is not because God has bad intentions, because He is perfect, is never tempted by sin, and tempts no one (James 1:13). Although we may not always get answers to our “Why, God?” questions, we can rest assured knowing “...all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

UNDERSTAND

• Questioning God is not wrong when done with humility and a desire to understand, not to accuse.
• The Bible contains many examples of faithful people asking God honest questions, and God does not rebuke them for it.
• God may not answer as we expect, but He is always trustworthy and works all things for the good of His people.

REFLECT

• When have you found yourself asking God “why?” and how did that shape your faith journey?
• Are there times when your questions to God have turned into accusations? How can you shift back to seek answers instead of asking out of bitterness?
• How do you respond when God doesn’t give you the answers you want or expect?

ENGAGE

• What does it reveal to us about God that He welcomes sincere questions?
• How can we support one another when someone is struggling with unanswered questions from God?
• What can we learn from biblical figures like Job, Habakkuk, or the psalmists about how to approach God with hard questions?