FIVE QUESTIONS
“There’s no such thing as a dumb question.” I hate to disagree, but over the years, I’ve heard (and even asked) a plethora of, let’s just call them, “less-than-intelligent interrogative inquires.” Here are samples of actual questions asked in court by attorneys:
1. Were you present in court this morning when you were sworn in?
2. Was it you or your brother that was killed in the war?
3. The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he?
Face it, in our journey through life, some questions are infinitely more important than others. Especially during these difficult days. If you’re like me, sometimes I wake up and immediately feel overwhelmed with anxiety and fear— financially, nationally, relationally, vocationally and every other kind of “ally.”
One morning, as I was wrestling in prayer over these worries, the Holy Spirit “downloaded” five questions that set me free. Immediately I jumped up, grabbed some paper and wrote them down. Here they are:
1. Does God always want what’s best for me? (Yes—See Jeremiah 29:11)
2. Is He powerful enough to come through and take care of any problem (Yes—See Ephesians 3:20)
3. What has He promised in His word? (To meet all our needs—See Matthew 6:33)
4. What’s His track record? (So far, His record for getting me through difficult days is 100%)
5. Is there any reason to think He won’t do it in the future? (Based on the first four questions, undeniably No!)
I Peter 5:7 instructs us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (see also Psalm 55:22). So why not try it? It’s so simple…but it’s not easy. Because my mind starts reeling with “what-ifs,” immediately upon my eyelids popping open. But I’ve discovered, in the midst of the wild waters of worry, these five questions keep me afloat. They bring me back to the Rock of Reality, where I’m anchored in truth. God does want what’s best for me. He is powerful enough to solve any problem. Over and over He’s promised to provide. And He’s done so every day of my life. So I have every reason to believe He will now.
During these turbulent times, rehearse these questions, remind yourself of the answers, and remember (at least with the Lord) these are anything but dumb questions.
Principle: In the midst of a difficult day, remember the reality of God’s care and provision.
Promise: God cares for us and meets our needs.
Ponder:
Under what circumstances and time of day do I most struggle with anxious thoughts?
After rehearsing these five questions, how have I found them to be helpful?
Prayer: “Lord God, thank you for your provision through the years, even under difficult circumstances. Help me to continue to trust you in the future.”
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 91.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from this devotion.