Psalm 77

We all have them—those times when doubts creep in. They can last anywhere from a second—Man, believing that there’s an all-knowing, all-powerful guy up in the sky who created everything and sees me right now sounds like a Star Trek movie!—to a full-blown season of doubt and depression. Sometimes you just can’t stop the questions.

In fact, I think it’s rather ironic that I “just happened” (was it really coincidence?) upon this chapter at this time because I’ve been experiencing a season of questioning and doubt recently. What I know intellectually is having a hard time making it out of my head and into my life. I’ve seen so much hurt and despair around me lately, and I’m wondering again what it all means. Storms of evil in this life can become quickly overwhelming.

And that’s why it’s so encouraging to see Asaph ask these questions:

Will God reject forever? (vs 7)
Will God never show his favor again? (vs 7)
Has God’s unfailing love vanished forever? (vs 8)
Has God’s promise failed for all time? (vs 8)
Has God forgotten to be merciful? (vs 9)
Has God in anger withheld his compassion? (vs 9)

God allows doubt. He doesn’t get frustrated when we ask these questions over and over again. (Of course, it’s helpful to do what Asaph did and remember what God has done in the past. That’s how we get some answers to the questions!)

But God doesn’t expect us to be these perfect little faith-robots who never feel an emotion or have a wavering moment. We are allowed to question. We are allowed to doubt.

Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions—especially the hard questions. Does God care that I’m hurting? Why didn’t God do what I wanted Him to do? Does God love me at all? Why does it seem like God doesn’t listen to me?

God will not disown us for asking questions. He won’t even disown us for getting angry and yelling at Him. We don’t have to be afraid of doubt. There is no question too “bad” that we can’t bring it to God. He can handle it all.