Questions to Consider

I received this in my email, and I felt it important to post it here for my meditation and consideration.

Dear Friends,

I wonder what are some questions that you are asking in this season as we see all that is happening around us – the current pandemic situation, hardships and poverty, an increase in suicide cases and other mental health issues, political chaos, among others.
 

We sometimes feel bad for asking God: “Where are you in this situation?” or “Why did this happen?” or “What are you doing?” because it shows a lack of faith or trust. Turns out, we’re not the only ones asking these kinds of things. David, a man known to be after God's own heart asked, “Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). Moses asked, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?” (Numbers 11:11). Even Jesus asked, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”. The question, “Why?” has been echoing throughout history, especially in times when things aren't making sense. 
 
Sometimes we see “questioning” as an unfaithful response to a faithful God. Our tendency is to shut these questions down or to skip past them moving quickly towards a resolution to just "trust" (usually in our effort to avoid the discomfort of not knowing). But what if God is in the questions? What if these questions are places where God encounters us because we refuse to allow “easy” answers to shut down the honesty of this place of searching? Even though our questions might sometimes sound like challenges or even accusations, God is with us there. God doesn’t pull away when we’re angry or confused, in fact he comes closer and draws nearer. God welcomes all of our questions. 

Take a few minutes for this simple prayer exercise: 
- Take a few breaths and let the questions that your heart has been asking surface. 
- Notice what’s coming up for you. Are there things that have been nagging you, but you’ve been afraid to give them attention?
- God’s ear bends towards us, listening to our questions and the pain in our hearts, “I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Ps 116:1-2 NLT). God is listening, what do you want to say to him?
- Hold these questions before God and listen for his response.

May you find God with you in the questions that you're asking in this season.

Blessings,
ICM Team