A No-Brainer

Asking "What now, Lord?" instead of "Why, Lord?" is a hard lesson to learn.  It's hard to ask the right question when you're feeling disappointed.  It's hard to ask when your heart is breaking.  It's hard to ask "What now?" when your dreams have been shattered. - Jack Zavada

Did you notice the adjustment in the above paragraph?  Change the "Why" to "What" and add one word, "Now" - - it alters the entire mood of the question.

"Why, Lord?" is often asked in response to a crisis, a disappointment, or because we have been hurt.  We don't understand what happened or why it happened and we are not pleased.  Our confidence, security, and self-esteem has taken a hit.  And we ask, "Why, Lord?"....   It is ok to ask God, "Why?" but you don't need to get stuck there.  If you are stuck in the "Why" mode....This is unbelief talking.

"What now, Lord?"  removes the negative aspect to the question.  Changing the wording of our question to the Lord is not for His benefit, but ours.  Now we are asking with a positive mental outlook.  We are saying "Lord, I know You have this in control....I know You have a plan...Just tell me what is next."   This says, "I anticipate the next move."   This is faith talking. 

Sometimes, we fail to understand in our heart simply because we fail to understand God's heart.  Oh, that we could know how much God loves us!  Yes, we know that He sent Jesus to die for our sins...but we still don't comprehend the love God has for us as an individual.  We think in terms of a corporate, distant God. But he is a personal God.  He is our Father, our Creator! 

If I could fully grasp the fact that God is for me, not against me, and that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be my counselor, my guide, and my teacher.  If I could embrace the nearness of His Spirit, then perhaps I could change my "Why, Lord?" into "What now, Lord?".

Do you know that only 3% of the world’s population manage to plan and reach their goals?   I believe this is partly due to the way we think.  Where would you be at this point in your life if your mental attitude had been, "What now, Lord?"  instead of "Why, Lord?"  How many goals would you have reached because your confidence skyrocketed instead of plummeting to the ground? 

The use of such negative statements forms negative mental habits.  The dynamics of this is great.  Questioning the Lord with a negative tone breeds a spirit of unbelief. 

Matthew 8:26 - Jesus rebuked the disciples because of their little faith.  They woke him to calm the storm...Jesus asked, "Why didn't you calm the storm, O Ye of Small Faith?"  In other words, he scolded them for being negative and allowing fear and anxiety to dominate their emotions in a trying situation.  They were with Jesus, on earth, in the flesh - they could and should have displayed strength. 

Starting today, make this change in your prayer time.  Speak to God honestly from your heart, but with words of faith, declaring "What now" instead of "Why, Lord" .   He  may be surprised, but...He will be pleased. 

It's a no-brainer.  I'll try it, if you will. 
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