When Faith Asks “Why?”

Reflections from Habakkuk 1

There are moments when the world feels unbearably heavy — when suffering seems louder than hope, injustice feels stronger than truth, and God’s silence feels more painful than our unanswered prayers. In those moments, our hearts do not form neat theological statements; they form questions. Honest ones. Urgent ones. Why, Lord? How long? Where are You in all of this?

It is in those moments that we discover something sacred: we feel safe asking hard questions when we trust the relationship. Children who are secure in their parents’ love are not afraid to ask “why” when something doesn’t make sense. In the same way, God welcomes our sincere questions about what is happening in our lives and in the world. He is not threatened, offended, or upset when we come to Him honestly.

Scripture is filled with faithful people who asked difficult questions — not out of rebellion, but out of trust. Job cried out in anguish as he watched the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, asking why God would allow such injustice. Jeremiah brought his confusion to God, wondering why those who rejected Him seemed to succeed. Asaph confessed that he nearly stumbled when he saw the arrogant thriving, and the psalmists repeatedly asked, “Why do You stand far off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?”

Even in heaven, the martyrs cry out, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge?” Their questions are not rooted in unbelief, but in a deep longing for righteousness, justice, and the full manifestation of God’s kingdom.

These questions do not reveal weak faith. They reveal living faith — faith that refuses to be silent in the face of suffering and evil, and that knows exactly where to turn when life becomes confusing.

Habakkuk dared to voice what many believers are afraid to say out loud: Why?

“Why do You make me look at injustice?” he asked. “Why do You tolerate wrongdoing?” (Habakkuk 1:3).

As I look at our world today, I find myself asking the same questions. Why is suffering so widespread? Why do false prophets flourish while holiness is mocked? Why do people claim God’s authority while living in direct opposition to His Word?

Like Habakkuk, I bring my questions to God — not because I doubt Him, but because I trust Him enough to ask.

Summary of Habakkuk’s Complaint (Habakkuk 1:2–4)

Habakkuk cries out to God because violence, injustice, corruption, and lawlessness are everywhere — yet God seems silent. The wicked prosper, the righteous are oppressed, and justice is being twisted instead of upheld. He struggles to understand how a holy and just God can appear to allow evil to continue unchecked.

In one sentence:
Habakkuk is asking why a just God is allowing rampant injustice, moral disorder, and suffering to continue while He seems slow to intervene.

Closing Reflection

God does not rebuke Habakkuk for asking — He responds. That alone should give us courage. Our questions do not disqualify us from faith; they often deepen it. When we bring our confusion, grief, and longing into God’s presence, we are not walking away from Him — we are walking toward Him.

Faith is not the absence of questions. Faith is choosing where to take them.

Closing Prayer

Father God,
You are righteous in all Your ways and just in all Your works (Psalm 145:17). Your throne is founded on righteousness and justice (Psalm 89:14), and yet You are near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

We come boldly to Your throne of grace for mercy and help (Hebrews 4:16). Like Habakkuk, we bring You our questions — not in doubt, but in trust — knowing that You always do what is right (Genesis 18:25).

Teach us to wait on You and renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31). Guard our hearts with Your peace (Philippians 4:7). Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream (Amos 5:24).

Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Use us to love mercy, walk humbly, and do justice (Micah 6:8).

We trust You with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5).
In Jesus’ name, Amen.