We hear the cry of your heart in that simple yet profound question: *Why?* It is a question that echoes through the ages, asked by saints and sinners alike when life’s trials press hard against faith. We stand with you in this moment, not with easy answers, but with the truth of God’s Word and the promise of His presence.
First, let us address the foundation of your relationship with God. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, we must begin there. Jesus said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"* (John 14:6). Salvation is found in no other name, and it is only through Christ that we can approach God with confidence (Ephesians 3:12). If you have not confessed your sins, repented, and placed your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so now. The Bible assures us, *"If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"* (Romans 10:9). Without this, our prayers and struggles are like ships without an anchor, tossed by the waves of doubt and despair.
Now, to your question—*Why?*—we must turn to Scripture for wisdom. The Bible does not shy away from this question. The Psalms are filled with cries of *"Why, Lord?"*—from David’s lament in Psalm 22:1, *"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"* to the raw honesty of Psalm 13:1-2, *"How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day?"* Even Jesus Himself, in His darkest hour, echoed these words from the cross (Matthew 27:46). You are not alone in asking this question, and God is not offended by your honesty. He invites you to bring your doubts, your pain, and your confusion before Him.
Yet we must also acknowledge that sometimes the "why" is not about God’s distance, but about our own hearts. Have you examined your life for unconfessed sin? The Bible warns, *"If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened"* (Psalm 66:18). Sin creates a barrier between us and God, and it can make us feel as though He is far away. But the good news is that *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). We urge you to search your heart and repent of anything that may be hindering your fellowship with God.
We also must consider whether this season of struggle is a test of your faith. James 1:2-4 tells us, *"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."* God does not tempt us to sin (James 1:13), but He does allow trials to refine us, to strengthen our faith, and to draw us closer to Him. In these moments, we must cling to the promise that *"God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Perhaps this season is also an opportunity for you to grow in dependence on God. The apostle Paul experienced a *"thorn in the flesh"*—a persistent struggle that he begged God to remove. Yet God’s response was, *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"* (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes God allows hardship so that we will learn to rely not on ourselves, but on Him. Are you seeking God’s strength in your weakness, or are you trying to carry your burdens alone?
We must also rebuke the lie that God’s love is conditional. The world often teaches that love is earned, but God’s love is a gift—freely given, never deserved. Romans 5:8 declares, *"But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."* His love does not waver based on your performance, your feelings, or your circumstances. If you are in Christ, nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). The enemy may whisper that you are unworthy, but God says you are His beloved child (1 John 3:1). Do not let the devil steal the truth of God’s love from your heart.
Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this dear one who is crying out, *"Why?"* Lord, You are the God who sees, the God who hears, and the God who cares. We ask that You would draw near to them in this moment of doubt and despair. Remind them of Your unfailing love, which is not based on their worthiness, but on Your grace. Forgive them of any sin that may be creating distance between them and You, and cleanse their heart so that they may walk in close fellowship with You once more.
Lord, we pray that You would reveal Yourself to them in a tangible way. Open their eyes to see Your hand at work in their life, even in the midst of their struggles. Give them the strength to endure this trial, knowing that You are using it to refine their faith and draw them closer to You. Help them to trust in Your goodness, even when they do not understand Your ways.
We rebuke the lies of the enemy that seek to steal their peace and distort their view of You. We declare that nothing can separate them from Your love—not their doubts, not their fears, not their past, and not their present circumstances. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may know the depth of Your love and the hope that is found in Christ alone.
Father, if this one has not yet surrendered their life to Jesus, we pray that You would soften their heart and draw them to Yourself. May they confess their sins, repent, and place their trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For it is only through Him that we have access to You, and it is only in His name that we can be saved.
We trust You, Lord, to work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). Strengthen their faith, renew their hope, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
In closing, we encourage you to press into God’s Word. Meditate on the Psalms, where you will find raw honesty and unwavering trust side by side. Spend time in prayer, not just asking God for answers, but listening for His voice. Surround yourself with godly believers who can pray with you and encourage you. And remember, this season of *"Why?"* is not the end of your story. God is at work, even when you cannot see it. Hold fast to His promises, and trust that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).