Asking the Hard Questions: Finding God in Our Doubts
“And now, Lord, what am I waiting for?” (Psalm 39:7)
“I never said to you, ‘Seek Me in vain.’” (Isaiah 45:19)“I remember the day I approached my mother and asked her how Jesus’ dying on a cross
almost two thousand years before could possibly cover my sins. She was horrified.
She told me I was going to Hell. Believe me, I was very careful not to ask questions like that again!
But worse, the most important question that anyone can ever ask didn’t get answered.
And since I was apparently condemned, it didn’t seem to matter anymore anyway.” Ann
This excerpt, taken from Just Before Dawn, highlights the struggle many face when they seek answers but are met with fear or misunderstanding. It reminds us of the importance of creating spaces where these difficult questions can be asked—and heard—without shame or judgment.
Why We Struggle to Ask Questions
Asking questions is essential to understanding and growth. Yet, for many, the fear of judgment or rejection holds them back. Some aren’t even sure what the right questions are, while others carry them silently, too afraid or ashamed to speak them aloud.
The comforting truth is that God invites us—time and time again throughout scripture—to come to Him with our deepest questions, concerns, fears, and doubts. There are no prerequisites, no judgments, and no questions that are too big or too small. God doesn’t turn away an earnest seeker. He understands our curiosity, our confusion, and even our hesitation to ask.
Wrestling with Doubt and Faith
Questions like these often swirl in our hearts:
Why did God let that happen?
Why wasn’t I protected?
Why do I carry these painful memories?
Why does it feel like I’m losing the battle?
Why can’t I feel God’s love?
When will I finally heal?
What if I trust again and it leads to more pain?
These thoughts often swirl in the minds of those who’ve faced trauma or deep emotional pain. It’s not uncommon to wonder where God was in the hardest moments or why healing feels so distant. While some might say these questions reveal a lack of faith, the truth is, they show a desire to understand—a longing to feel seen, heard, and understood by God.
The Power of a Safe Space to Be Heard
For trauma survivors, it’s not always about finding answers—it’s about being heard. One of the most profound needs for anyone carrying deep questions is a safe space where they can bring their doubts and fears without fear of judgment or rejection. Being heard isn’t just about someone listening; it’s about being truly understood and validated. Sadly, many who have asked hard questions have been met with dismissal, criticism, or even condemnation, leading them to bury these important questions deep inside.
The excerpt from Just Before Dawn highlights this struggle, showing how damaging it can be when questions are shut down rather than explored. A safe space allows people to process their pain and uncertainty, knowing they won’t be rejected for voicing what’s on their hearts. It becomes a place of trust, healing, and growth.
For trauma survivors, this is especially important. They don’t always need quick answers or easy solutions—they need someone willing to sit with them in the discomfort, to hear their pain, and to walk with them through the uncertainty. Healing often begins with the freedom to ask—even when the answers aren’t clear. It’s about finding people, communities, or even quiet moments with God where those questions can finally be brought into the light.
Embracing the Journey, Even Without All the Answers
Sometimes, the biggest challenge isn’t that there are no answers—it’s that we haven’t yet found the right words to ask the real questions. Healing and growth require time, patience, and grace. It’s about listening to what’s stirring inside and finding the courage to bring those thoughts into the open.
God isn’t afraid of our questions. He isn’t surprised by our doubts or our pain. In fact, He invites us into an honest relationship where we can bring our whole selves—including our confusion and struggles—to Him.
So, if you’re holding onto questions—whether whispered quietly in the dark or shouted in frustration—you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not forgotten.
