What to Do When It Makes No Sense

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” Job 42:2-3, 6 (NLT)

Instead of always asking God “why” when I don’t understand, start trusting him.

For 37 chapters in his book, Job asks questions like, Why is this happening to me? Why are you allowing this? Why so much pain? Why so much discomfort? Why haven’t you answered my prayers?

But in chapter 38, Job stops asking “why”—and God tells Job, “I have some questions for you” (Job 38:3 NLT).

For the next two chapters, God bombards Job with questions that only God could answer. He asks things like, “Where were you when I made the universe? Can you explain the law of gravity?”

After two chapters, Job realizes that he is just a man and his knowledge is limited. Who is he to question God?

Job stops questioning—and starts trusting. He replies to the Lord, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. . . . I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:2-3, 6 NLT).

What do I do in a situations where I can’t see the whole picture, things aren’t clear, and life doesn’t make sense?

First, I need to remind myself of the things I know about God. Even while doubting, Job affirmed what he knew to be true about God: God is loving (Job 10:12); God is all powerful (Job 36:22); God is in control (Job 34:13); God had a plan for his life (Job 23:14); God would protect him (Job 5:11).

God is passionately and intimately aware of every detail. He’s paying attention to my every breath. Nothing gets past God’s attention.

I may not understand what I'm going through, but I can still say this to God: “I know you’re good. I know you’re loving. I know you’re powerful. I know you notice the details of my life. I know you’re in control. I know you have a plan. I know you will protect me.”

Then set aside my “why” questions and trust God—no matter what.

In summary:

When life doesn't make sense, the story of Job can remind me to stop demanding answers and start trusting God. After questioning God's actions through suffering, Job is humbled by God's response and realizes that God's wisdom far exceeds his own understanding. Rather than clinging to “why,” Job acknowledges God's power, love, and control, repents for his limited perspective, and chooses trust over explanation. In times of confusion and pain, I'm called to affirm what I do know about God—His goodness, attentiveness, and sovereignty—and place my faith in His greater plan, even when I can’t see it.

Bottom Line:

When life doesn’t make sense, stop asking “why” and start trusting the God who sees the whole picture, loves me deeply, and has a greater plan than I could ever imagine.