Skip to main content
search
Category

Worry

Oct 29
Love0

The Hardest Question to Answer

By Anxiety, Doubt, Tragedy, Trials, Will of God, Worry No Comments

Unexpected loss.
Unpaid expenses.
Unhealthy test results.
Unclear expectations.
Unrealistic goals.
Unmet needs.

Trials can take various forms, but often they drive us to the point of despair. Some relationships never heal. Some illnesses never go away. Some dreams remain out of reach. Some burdens never ease. Some problems have no solutions. Frustration, anger, loneliness, and even depression are common outcomes to the difficulties we face. Perhaps the most puzzling and bewildering question underneath all our struggles is why?

Why is God letting this happen? Why now? Why me? Why? Why? Why? Like you, I have wrestled with this difficult question numerous times in my life. The most obvious season of doubt came when my son was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. But there have been other moments of uncertainty that plagued my life as well. Disappointment and hardship of any kind, whether it be great or small, can leave us wrestling with our Creator in search of answers.

Over the years, both my experience and my study of Scripture have taught me at least three valuable lessons about navigating life’s adversities.

First, it is okay to ask God why. Occasionally, well-meaning Christians and Bible teachers will either explicitly or implicitly caution that asking God why is out of bounds. Yet, Scripture nowhere teaches that it is sinful to call out to God about His plans or purposes. A quick survey of the biblical record demonstrates the point.

Outside of Jesus, no one suffered more than Job, who consequently asked God why no less than twenty different times (EX: Job 3:11-12, 7:20-21, 13:24, 21:7). Moses asked God why He sent him to lead the nation of Israel (Ex 5:22). Joshua asked God why He was allowing Israel to be destroyed (Joshua 7:7). The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah asked God why He dealt so harshly with Israel (Is 63:17; Jer 14:19). Perhaps most stunning of all, however, is the remarkable lament of Jesus on the cross when He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Matt 27:46)?”

In none of these instances will you find God irritated or angry because of the inquiry. Questioning His work in your life is permissible even though demanding an answer is not. Feel free to ask God why, just don’t chastise Him if you do not like the response or the lack thereof. Our Lord’s compassion makes sense if you simply think about your children. I never resent the confused questions of my sons or daughters. In fact, I am eager to reassure them that everything will be okay when they are hurting. Even when I withhold information from them, I do so out of love and concern rather than exasperation. Surely, this is how God hears our pleas for information!

Second, Jesus really is enough. The issue is not whether God is real, but whether He is enough during seasons of discomfort. Scripture is resolute that God will never leave nor forsake His people (Deut. 31:6; Heb. 13:5). Jesus promised rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden (Matt. 11:28-29). These realities are theologically true, and yet, we usually cannot appreciate them fully until we need them the most. Difficult experiences allow us to put our biblical knowledge to the test. Much like Job, we find out that having Jesus in our lives is better than the answers or explanations He might provide to explain our plight (Job 38:1-41:34).

Knowing God will bear your burdens is quite different from watching Him do it. Believing the Father will answer your prayers is powerful, but not like waiting for Him to do so. Though our experiences are never the source of new truth, they can enhance our understanding of existing truth. Simply put, trials force us to depend upon and live out what we inwardly know.

Third, faith does not give us the power to eliminate trials, but to endure them instead. I do not mean to suggest that God cannot or does not work miracles in our lives today. The notion, however, that any trial or sickness can disappear by means of faith is patently false. Sometimes God develops us through trials rather than rescuing us from them (James 1:2-4). Prayerfully, I trust that I will be a better man because of the hardships that come my way. According to Scripture, endurance is something to celebrate, not avoid (2 Cor. 12:7-9).

Ultimately, we cannot always answer the question why? Even then, our lack of knowledge should not result in a lack of faith. When ignorance assaults our peace of mind, we should continue to persevere in the wisdom of God (Prov. 3:7).

Adam B. Dooley
October 29, 2025

Dec 29
Love0

Are New Year Resolutions Helpful?

By Future, Sanctification, Uncategorized, Will of God, Worry No Comments

Should Christians make New Year’s resolutions? While no such biblical requirement is explicit, Scripture does admonish us to contemplate our lives and commit them to the Lord (Prov 16:9). We are told to set our minds on things above (Col. 3:2) and to put our immoralities to death (Col. 3:5) while pursuing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12). Admittedly, none of these aims are date specific, but adopting any of God’s commandments is always a good place to start for those eager to improve the overall quality of their lives.

We should acknowledge, however, that many of our new commitments can quickly fall by the wayside. Research out of the University of Minnesota suggests that 80 percent of our resolutions don’t survive past Valentine’s Day. Our aspirational lists include goals of exercising more, getting organized, and being a better friend. We dream of gaining more knowledge, worrying less, and living each day to the fullest. Practical ambitions like shedding a few pounds, saving money, and career success also woo us. Christians often envision sharing their faith, reading their Bibles, and spending daily time in prayer. Yet, for most these milestones won’t become a reality.

So why do so many of us fail? And what can we do about it? Though a single explanation may not exist, over the years I have come to believe that unrealistic expectations and goals derail even the best of intentions. Generally, we overestimate what we can accomplish in one year and we underestimate what we can achieve in five years. So, instead of transforming yourself into a giant in the field of your interest, focus instead on the long game of slower but lasting transformation.

Christians, for example, can focus on how we face the future instead of what the future holds. Tucked away in Proverbs 3:5-6 are the keys to a consistent, meaningful strategy for facing whatever 2025 might bring. The text simply says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Notice the three helpful guidelines within these words that can redirect the trajectory of our lives over time.

One, trust God completely. Trusting the Lord bears the idea of putting your full weight upon Him. Doing so with all your heart requires the totality of your being. The first step of walking with God is relying upon Him fully. Refusing to lean on your own understanding is an unwillingness to be wise in your own eyes. It means we trust what God says more than whatever we think or feel that might be contrary to Scripture. These steps of faith liberate us from the anxiety of carrying our burdens alone. We should live believing God’s Word will continue to be true; God’s way will continue to be best; and God’s work will continue to be important. Learn to trust Him no matter what comes your way this year.

Two, acknowledge God always. The purpose of every human life is to make much of God by living for Him rather than ourselves. Acknowledging God means that we are always pondering what He desires or what He is doing in every situation. Socially, financially, professionally, recreationally, and vocationally—in ALL our ways we are to look for and submit to God’s will for our lives. It’s true about big things like where we live, whom we marry, or what career path we choose. But it’s also the goal with the small, seemingly mundane parts of life as well, things like how we use our time, how we treat other people, and what food we put into our bodies. How would our lives be different, even better, if we simply sought to make much of God in every place, every day of 2025?

Three, follow God’s plan. The promise that the Lord will make our paths straight is conditional. When we trust Him always and acknowledge Him continually, God’s plan for our lives unfolds without interruption. Most of the world lives with the mantra, “I will do whatever I want to do.” Many well-meaning Christians make decisions with a spiritual twist, “I do what I think I ought to do.” A better way, though, is the commitment, “I will do whatever God leads me to do.” Intrinsic to living this way is a settled conviction that God has a plan for every person’s life. Through the pages of Scripture, the accountability of a church family, and the counsel of godly friends, the Lord makes His direction plain for those eager to follow.

Foundational to all these commitments is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the doorway to trusting God, the way to acknowledge God, and the first step down the narrow road of walking with God. My prayer for you, and all in our community, is that you will experience God’s best in the coming year.

Happy New Year!

Adam B. Dooley
December 29, 2024

Nov 07
Love0

Don’t Sweat the Big Stuff!

By Anxiety, Hope When Life Unravels, Peace, Prayer, Trials, Uncategorized, Worry No Comments

We know something about anxiety. Sometimes it shows up on an x-ray. You can hear it in the pacing rhythm of footsteps late at night. Troubled eyes and wrinkled foreheads are also telltale signs. Desperate silence and nervous chatter are dead giveaways. I heard about one man who worried so much that his hair fell out – of his toupee! Today’s priorities often fall victim to tomorrow’s problems due to anxiety.

Despite Jesus’ admonitions to the contrary, we worry about physical needs like food and clothing (Matt. 6:25), how long we will live (Matt. 6:27), and the potential trouble tomorrow will bring (Matt. 6:31). The uneducated worry because they don’t know enough. The educated worry because they know too much. The poor worry because of what they do not have. The wealthy worry because they fear losing what they have. The young worry because they don’t want to get older. The elderly worry because they are afraid they won’t get older.

So what are we to do? How do we shed the anxiety that plagues us?

First, we need to confess our burden to the Lord. While writing to Philippian believers, the Apostle Paul instructed, “Be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6a). The predicate behind this command is that all of us frequently battle the temptation to despair. A divided mind will pull your heart in completely different directions. We know that God can take care of us, but doubt and concern distracts us from our otherwise resolute faith. Admitting our vulnerability is the first step toward coping with our weakness.

Remarkably, God’s apostle wrote these words from a Roman prison cell. False teachers continually attacked the church he loved, and each day brought the possibility of his death by execution. Yet, knowing that worry signals a lack of trust in God, Paul calls on all Christ followers to be anxious for nothing. Jesus Himself insisted that continually fretting is the behavior of unbelievers who are unaware that God is providentially watching over us.

Second, we need to communicate our needs to the Lord. Through the means of prayer and supplication, we are to let our requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6b). With no concern for how we sound, we should humbly, even desperately, express our deepest fears and our heartfelt pleas directly to the Lord.

In addition, these inquiries should be seasoned with thanksgiving. The idea is that we worship God before He answers because of our intentional commitment to submit to His will. Doing so reassures us that God is trustworthy and that His will is purposeful and best, even if it is contrary to our desires. Specificity is important here because general prayers lack particular power. Weak generalities and platitudes seldom move the heart of God.

Third, we need to welcome the peace of the Lord. What is the result of our intentional prayers? The unexplainable peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7). This holy serenity is supernatural in its origin and comprehensive in its effect. God promises to intervene in the midst of our trials and troubles by protecting us with his peace. If prayer opens the door to the Lord’s consolation, learning to think correctly enables us to enjoy the relief God affords. Thus, the Bible admonishes, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

If all this seems too good to be true, take a moment to consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air (Matt. 6:26-30). Have you ever heard of a bird being treated for high blood pressure? Or stress? Though they do not know where their next meal will come from, God feeds them. Think about the beauty of wildflowers growing in a field. They do nothing to grow and yet they clothe the countryside with their beauty. These natural wonders are here today and gone tomorrow, yet God still covers His creation with them. If the Lord will feed the animals and dress nature with such elegance, how much more will He take care of human beings who bear his image (Gen. 1:26-28)?

Adam B. Dooley
November 7, 2014

Close Menu