World Impact Ministries / Peter Youngren

Perhaps this week would be best served up discussing the issue of questions (or maybe a better term would be “questioning”). It appears that throughout the Old and the New Testament the Lord encouraged questions. If you desire to have a fun-filled Saturday afternoon you could start in Psalm 1 and read all of the questions that David asked God throughout the entire book (time well spent J). Actually there is a good parallel here between David’s questions and Job’s questions. Certainly by most scholarly accounts, there is no indication that David ever realized that (at least) his psalms would be read by any one other than himself. Those beautiful, and complex thoughts are his towards the Lord and we all can relate from time to time. Yet David was a man after God’s own heart. There is no indication that the Lord ever rebuked him for his private questions. He and the Lord shared a deep and glorious friendship that was only strengthened in the secret place. When you read the psalms part of you wonders if David even wants answers to most of his questions. Read Psalm 9: “I will praise You, O Lord…” on and on it goes. Then read Psalm 10: “Why do you stand afar off, O Lord…” on and on it goes. It’s downright hilarious and it perfectly mirrors an emotional “Believer” today (at times). Yet throughout his entire life David demonstrated a trust in the Lord – even though he had questions all the time.

If you contrast this with Job you’ll see a stark difference. Job too, asked questions; in public and in front of his friends, family and whoever else was listening. Not only does he have questions but he makes condemning statements about the way that God is running His universe. “Why then have You (God) brought me out of the womb? Oh that I perished and no eye had seen me!” Job 10:18b. As you read the book of Job there are pretty much 34 chapter of questions, statements and false impressions given about God. Finally Job demands that God show up and give an accounting of Himself and the world He has created. Again if you value some time well spent, read Job chapters 38-42 and you’ll hear the Lord makes some great retorts to Job. Possibly the most life changing message that pulsates throughout the Book of Job is that God doesn’t feel the need to answer even one of Job’s questions; not a single one (read it and you’ll see). However, after God rebukes Job and Job certainly repents, he finally gets some of those negative influences out of his life. Job is a blessed, BLESSED man! No questions answered but his trust in the Lord is renewed nonetheless. 

You see the difference between Job and David is simple – attitude. We as believers in Christ don’t question out of a negative, critical or distrusting attitude? Our questions are from our deep and personal relationship with our God, Savior, best friend, etc. Questions are fine – some of them may get answered, some may never be answered but all will be revealed in the end. Remember we see through a glass dimly in this life but then we’ll see as we were meant to see. Think about it.