Asking ‘why?’ can lead to enlightenment
“If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God.”
— James 1:5 (NIV)
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why?”
It’s a small but powerful question. I realized that was one question I have often asked myself in my lifelong journey for maturity and spiritual enlightenment.
One of the invaluable principles of life is asking. God even informs us we don’t receive the answers to our prayers because we don’t ask for what we need.
We need to ask God for wisdom and we need to ask ourselves a few things as well. Our growth and potential is stimulated by asking ourselves the question, “Why?”
Self-motivation for a fulfilled life can be ignited with this small question. Our motives and intentions — the reasons we do what we do — are key to understanding ourselves.
Just like the curious child in science class realizes asking the question “why” is key to discovering answers.
Sometimes our lack of desire for change, low-self-esteem or lack of courage can create a barrier and place limitations on our beliefs regarding what we think we’re capable of. These limiting fears and excuses hold us back from achieving all the good God has in mind for us.
But by asking this simple question, we can change our thinking and our lives. Experts say that the stimulant to creative thinking is through asking questions. The motive behind a question is to discover why it was done in the first place and how it works.
When in a place of problem solving, this powerful question can clear up confusion as to what choice to make.
As with anything, there is a negative side to analyzing ourselves and others; and that is we can over-analyze everything to the point of confusion. Other times our strong emotions lead us astray. When this happens if we stick to the facts it can help settle our wavering minds.
Another downfall is when we question “why me?” to the point of getting stuck in the thought pattern and emotion of self-pity. This is a negative emotion and also keeps from us making positive strides to move ahead.
I’ve often heard it said that experience is the best teacher. But our past experience only teaches us if we question and evaluate what we’ve learned by it. When feeling stuck or confused, invoking the help of a coach or counselor can help us discover what makes us tick.
Make a list of good and bad points regarding our issues; See how the good outweighs the bad.
Keep asking ourselves this small yet powerful question from time to time and watch the fear and stagnation fall away and be inspired and challenged to grow in your God-given purpose and accomplish great things.
Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, inspirational speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted by email at Annetteebudzban@aol.com