Inner Questions

“But why did you do it this way?”

The question sits in the air as my tutor student looks at me. They are thinking of how to answer my question. Adults don’t normally ask them this question. I always do. 

Why do we do things? What is our motive? What is our desired outcome?

These questions are constantly at the forefront of the sessions that I have with my students. It requires them to take a moment and reflect. If the student cannot answer this question, then we must go back to square one. 

I want them to not merely choose certain things on a whim. Instead I want my students to build their choices around intelligent thought and reasoning. I don’t mind if I disagree with their reason. But I want them to have one. 

The point of this practice is simple. Why do anything if you have not thought through your reasons for doing it?

Within my tutor sessions, I am the teacher. The one that holds the keys to knowledge. But the moment I leave the room, I too become a student. I no longer hold sway in the world, and instead the Holy Spirit becomes my tutor. 

Throughout my life, I have heard the Holy Spirit asking me this same question: But why did you do it this way?

This question arises when I make certain comments, make choices, and build various habits.

Why did I say those words in that tone? Am I desiring a certain outcome?

Why did I choose to do this job or go to this church? Are my motivations noble?

Why do I feel motivated to change in this area but not another?

These questions all stem from a desire to grow in my own ability to be honest with myself. The Holy Spirit does not just convict but helps reveal our true nature to ourselves. 

In this way, God uses questions in my life to help me grow in my spiritual walk. Through the process of mulling, journaling, and reading Scriptures, I am able to see more of myself. And as I answer more of these questions, I have found a lot of clarity on a personal level.

Maybe questions scare you, or maybe you’ve never asked yourself these questions. It is important to understand that these questions are always presented to me through the lense of the Holy Spirit. There is an element of discerment where I filter through questions that come from my own heart. And those questions coming from myself, I try to let fall away.

But the questions of the Holy Spirit always come back and show up again and again. 

My process of answering them is not straight forward. Instead I want to offer to your some solace, that questions brought to your mind are often a way to grow in your own spiritual walk.

Even if you are not a Christian, questions are an excellent way to understand more about yourself in the world. 

Many people want straight an easy answers, with short cuts and easy edits. But Jesus was not this way: Instead he asks questions. Here are a few to consider in your own way:

1. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)

2. Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith? (Mark 4:40)

3. Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? (Luke 24:38)  

4. Have I not chosen you? (John 6:70)

He uses questions throughout his entire ministry to prompt those around him to think, understand, and contemplate his words. These questions spark something in our souls to respond. Therefore, it is only natural and expected that the Holy Spirit would use questions to help Christians in their own walk.

Have you ever considered those internal questions as prompts from the Holy Spirit? I encourage you to take time to notice these inner thoughts. Do not brush them away as annoying philosophical wanderings that have no place in modern life. For if you are a follower of Christ, then these questions are one of the ways God is revealing his truth to you. 

Be encouraged that as you take time to notice these questions and search your heart for answers, you will find peace and rest promised to us in Jesus.

”Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.”