Asking God, “Why?”

Each time the news reports a mass shooting people respond with a variety of emotions and a slew of questions. Emotions may range from anger, bitterness, and fear on the one hand to concern and compassion on the other – even from the same person. Questions abound from “How could this happen?” to “How could God let this happen?” whether or not the shooting involves a church or “God’s people.” But the question that underlies them all is “Why?”

Over the past few days, details have emerged about the shooter in the recent shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Likewise in the Las Vegas shooting approximately one month earlier, the investigation seeks to find a credible motive – that is, “Why did this person do what they did?”

The “Why” question is not only valid, it is necessary. Knowing why someone responded in certain manner may help to prevent others from responding in a similar manner in the future. Of course, no attempt can fix all of the issues, but any improvement is better than none.

But one “Why” question often tops all the others, even if the answer remains unknown. In the initial paragraph, I listed a question related to how God could have allowed this, or other shootings, but the question is less a matter of “How?” as it is a matter of “Why?” I do not have an answer. But as I mentioned in the previous paragraph, I think the question is both valid and necessary. Let me explain.

First, the question, “Why?” is valid, particularly for those who believe in God, because to believe in God means to believe in some aspect of His sovereignty. Many arguments happen each day on how sovereign God is, and events like the shooting in Texas help to stoke the fire of the argument. But the important part is that if someone asks God “Why?” then they believe that God has some measure of control (sovereignty), and thus the question is valid.

Second, the question, “Why?” is necessary because it helps us in the grieving. The five levels of grieving include both anger and bargaining. Much of the anger may be directed at the shooter in a case such as Texas, but he, too, is dead, so being angry at him seems incomplete. Thus, anger may be directed at God. Furthermore, if we can understand “Why?” God allowed such a tragedy, maybe we can bargain with Him to undo the situation or, at the very least, to prevent a similar tragedy elsewhere.

But, many feel guilty asking God why? Of course, not everyone feels guilty, but particularly pious people may begin to question their authority to question God. After all, God challenged Job for questioning Him (see Job 38-41). But the issue isn’t the question, it is the attitude? Consider that Jesus, while on the cross, asked God the very question, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me.”

Thus, if Jesus can ask God “Why?”, we can too. But, if we do, we must do so with the following understandings.

First, God is not obligated to answer us. He can and He may, but again, it is God who is sovereign, not us, so He does not have to answer to us – on this side of eternity or the other.

Second, make sure you want the answer. God may not answer, but if He does, it is up to the questioner to accept the answer. Titus 1.1 says God never lies (ESV, some translations says God “cannot” lie), so if He does answer, it will be the truth. The question then becomes whether or not you and I will accept the answer to our question. Sometimes it seems easier not to know.

So, as you process this, and any tragedy (and we have certainly seen our share in 2017), ask the questions you must, including, and especially, “Why?” And, if you are bold enough to ask that question of God, know that the question is not sinful and God will not automatically smite anyone for asking. But the answer lies within His purpose and His glory, not ours. Thus, ask only if you truly want a response because if He does respond, He will accept you to embrace it as truth – as difficult as that truth might be to receive.