Why?

It might be the most frequently asked question of all time. Why would a loving God allow suffering? Why would one person take the life of another? Why is this happening to my child, my parent, my friend—to me?

We’re not the first to ask. Job asked, “Why?” (Job 7:20). David asked, “Why?” (Psalm 10:1). Jeremiah asked, “Why?” (Jeremiah 20:18). Even Jesus cried out, “Why?” (Mark 15:34).

In this Thanksgiving season, when we are supposed to count our blessings, many of us are struggling to accept the path that God has laid before us. When life is full of brokenness and sorrow, how can God expect us to obey His command, “In every thing give thanks”? Isn’t that asking too much?

Maybe the answer begins with the people who ask “Why?” more than anyone else: children.

Children ask “Why?” all day long. Their questions aren’t cynical; they are curious. Their brains are growing, connecting cause and effect, and learning how the world works. Asking “why?” is their way of seeking truth. But as we grow up, something changes. We see injustice. We face heartbreak. We watch goodness fail and evil succeed. And slowly, cynicism creeps in—even toward God. It becomes harder to trust Him, harder to be thankful.

Jesus loved the little children and wanted His disciples to understand the connection between faith, humility, and thankfulness. He called a little child, placed him in the midst of them, and said:

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3–4

The key to thankfulness is a humble heart—a heart full of faith that eagerly accepts God’s truth and lives accordingly. So how do we return to childlike faith? How do we rebuild a thankful heart? Here are three ways:

Set Your Mind on Scripture. Life is hard, and left to our own thoughts, we self-destruct. But God’s Word has the power to reshape our perspective. When we turn to Scripture during times of trial and suffering, we cultivate thankful and humble hearts. Memorizing verses, chapters, and even whole books of the Bible renews our minds and fills our hearts with gratitude. Children seem to memorize effortlessly, but we too can memorize Scripture!

Sing the Scripture. Quoting Scripture is powerful. Singing it is transformative. The Psalms were a songbook that God gave to His people—written to be sung, not just read. Music embeds truth deep into our souls in a way nothing else can. Even Jesus sang at the Last Supper, just before His death. Music is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible! When we fill our homes with God-honoring music, we create an atmosphere that shapes hearts and lifts spirits.

Take the example of Joni Eareckson Tada. Paralyzed at 17, she has lived with pain for decades, yet she testifies that singing Scripture and songs of worship is what has kept her heart grateful and focused on Jesus.

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” Psalm 69:30

Share the Scripture. When we share the Word of God with others, our own gratitude grows! I find that the more I dwell on Scripture, the more it weaves itself into the fabric of my everyday conversations. I become ready and eager to encourage another believer with the same Scriptures that have encouraged my heart. If we truly believe that God’s Word has the power to transform lives, then we will be compelled to share it with others.

Former Oxford professor and Christian apologist John Lennox said recently:

One of the things that has sustained me throughout life is constantly being alive to opportunities to witness. There are people out there you can talk to about the gospel. And there’s nothing more life-giving than seeing other people experience what you yourself have seen…the joy of salvation.

So share God’s Word.

Share it with your children (Deuteronomy 11:18–20).
Share it with other believers (Ephesians 5:19–20).
Share it with the world (Psalm 57:9).

When we fill our minds, homes, and conversations with God’s Word—when we sing it, share it, and live it—our hearts can’t help but overflow with thanksgiving.
Even in the suffering.
Even in the pain.
Even in the unanswered “Whys?”
Because our hearts have been anchored to the truth of Scripture, and we know the One who holds the answers.