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The Bible is a practical book, and one that addresses multiple questions. It provides information, inspiration and — in the words of a local Elgin pastor — is for our transformation.
In an earlier article, I wrote about three of the five W’s. Today we’ll look at why and where.
“Why God?” seems to be an eternal question people ask. Why did this happen? Why do I feel this way? Why do people treat me this way? Why me?
King David asked himself in Psalm 42:5, “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God (and) soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face; He’s my God.”
After horrific circumstances, Job 3:12 asked, “Why was I even born?”
In Luke 24:38, Jesus asked His disciples, “Why are you frightened and why do doubts arise in your hearts?”
Asking why is a tool to seek information and clarity, and it is an acceptable question to ask. A universal question is “Why would a good God let bad things happen?” God’s sovereignty, in my understanding, means God is in charge but not a puppet master.
His wisdom is greater than mine. His thoughts and plans are beyond anything I can perceive. Gratefully, He is loving, kind, long-suffering and more — an intimate Father with His children.
“Where?” is an interesting question in Scripture. The first time it’s used is when God asked Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” He sought them first. He initiated contact with them, and He continues in our relationships.
Job 28:12 inquires, “Where can wisdom be found?”
Psalm 139:7 asks, “Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I escape Your presence?”
The wonderful thing about this Psalm is the reminder that there is no place beyond His care, that He is always there — aware of us, seeking for us.
Psalm 139:12 is one of my favorites, it says “… even the darkness is not too dark for You to see, and the night is as bright as day; darkness and light are the same to You.”
We can ask God questions, but He may ask us questions too.
Read Matthew 6:21, “Where is your treasure?” And a clarifying question God asked in Job 38:4. Endeavor to answer questions the Bible asks, for typically it’s life-changing.
I hope you have a great week. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in
Anita
