We’ve probably all asked God “why” questions. Questions like: God, why did you take my baby? Why did this tragic accident happen to such good people? Why do you let people die in the prime of their lives? Why do you let this person will no quality of life linger on? Why did my loved one get diagnosed with this disease? God, why?

I have asked my share of “why” questions, even as recently as this week. And I have to admit, it is hard to understand why God does things the way He does sometimes. How should we respond when we find ourselves asking, why, God?

There’s no easy answer that completely satisfies the pain and hurt in the middle of a difficult situation. But when I begin asking God why, I keep coming back to the truth that He is sovereign. He knows what He’s doing and why. I need to rest in His sovereignty and stop demanding to know why.

One of my seminary professors, Dr. Stephen Bramer, shared with us that one day  he is going to write a sermon on what he thinks will be the most spoken word in heaven. No, it won’t be “holy,” or “hallelujah” or “how beautiful.” He thinks the most spoken word in heaven will be “Ohhhhhhh….” “Ohhhhhhhh…. now I understand.” When we get to ask God face to face, why, and He shows us why, we’ll understand.

A good book I recommend that has helped me as I have asked the “why” questions is Why Me? And Why That’s the Wrong Question by Jim Davis.

God has also used a number of Scripture passages to help me walk through these difficult times of asking God why. One that I continually go to is Psalm 27:13-14: “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” One day we’ll understand why.

What passages has God used to encourage you when you’ve asked, Why, God?