Why you should ask ‘Why?’

“If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God.”

— James 1:5 (NIV)

Have you ever asked yourself “Why?” It’s a small but powerful question.

I realized that was one question I often asked myself in my lifelong journey. One of the invaluable principles of life is asking. God informs us, oftentimes, we don’t receive because we don’t ask for what we need. We need to ask God for wisdom and we need to ask ourselves questions as well. Our own growth and potential are inspired by asking ourselves this question.

A curious child realizes they can discover an answer by asking “why?” Asking this question helps expand and change our perspectives on life. We change when we start to gain understanding as to why things occur. It can remove some of our limiting fears and excuses as we take a deeper look at why we think the way we do. And God may be trying to move us forward into a new path he has for us.

Experts say that creative thinking flourishes through asking questions. The motive for asking is to discover why something was done in the first place and how it works. When done while trying to solve a problem, this powerful question can clear up confusion as to what choice to make.

As with anything, there can be a negative side to analyzing ourselves and others; if we get into overanalyzing it causes doubt and confusion. When this happens, we can settle our wavering thoughts by sticking to the facts.

Another downfall is when we start asking “why me” and get stuck in self-pity. There’s nothing wrong with wondering “why me,” but it seldom changes the situation. It can create a negative scenario in our thinking and hold us back.

I’ve heard it said that experience is our best teacher. I even believe many of my life experiences have taught me much. But in order to learn from them we must be able to question and evaluate what we have learned and use the Bible as our guide to help us sort out truth from negative perceptions we’ve held on to.

Oftentimes, a “why” in our lives can lead us to new opportunities. We find we are able to face our challenges in a mature way, overcome fears that have hindered our progress, and move forward into our God-given potential and purpose.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.