My granddaughter, Emma, has a talent for asking questions. She wants to understand what’s happening around her and make sense of her world. The problem is that, for the past year or so, her world hasn’t made sense. Our family has faced numerous hardships and heartbreaks. I long for predictability and stability for myself, my husband, our children, and our grandchildren, but our experiences often shake that longing to the core. Emma’s parents are wise and do their best to answer her “whys.” Sometimes, it isn’t enough for her searching soul.

Nevertheless, asking “why” can be powerful, leading to discovery and understanding. Our eyes may be opened to see the bigger picture more clearly. As we search the Scriptures and seek God in prayer, we learn to know and love Him more. However, there are times when asking “why” does not satisfy, and the answers we receive fall short.

We may never know why.
Life can be tough. Amid the beauty and happiness, there can be unexpected tragedies and crises—illness, financial struggles, broken relationships, shattered dreams. My daughter-in-law introduced me to a song by Jet Trouble called “I Need You.” I’ve been listening to it every day on repeat. During life’s raw, painful, and confusing moments, Jesus is never offended by my honest and genuine questions. Even when I cry out in anger or doubt. When brokenness surrounds me and becomes part of me, the bottom line is, “I need You.” And I lean on Jesus.

God has given us many promises. He promises to provide us with His peace, comfort, and strength. However, He never promises to give us answers. When we find ourselves in a fog of uncertainty, we can lean on Jesus.

The Apostle John is known as the Apostle of Love. Love runs throughout His Gospel and three epistles. In his early years as Jesus’ disciple, he was part of the inner circle. During the Last Supper, he is described as “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” (John 13:23 NKJV). We don’t talk like that today. Back then, this was a gesture of deep affection and closeness, signifying a special bond between Jesus and John. As John leaned on Jesus, he showed his love and trust in Him.

Will we love Him? Will we trust Him? Will we lean on Jesus?

Job lost everything and suffered intensely. God appeared to him and revealed His glory, but He never explained Himself. Job was restored and blessed, but he was never given the full backstory that we read in the first two chapters of Job. However, after the divine encounter that left Job speechless, Job realized he could lean on God. (Jesus hadn’t arrived on the scene yet.)

Jesus is always enough.
There are many reasons we might suffer. Maybe it’s the consequences of our own choices. Or it’s the result of others’ selfish and sinful actions. Or we suffer because we live in a fallen world that is far from God’s original, perfect design. No matter the reason, knowing the “why” doesn’t take away our pain.

But we must avoid getting stuck in the endless cycle of “why.” It leads us nowhere. Instead, declare the unchanging truth, “I need You!”

Jesus is our greatest need.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me” (John 10:14 NLT). Jesus sees you and knows you.

Will we love Him? Will we trust Him? Will we lean on Jesus?

Every day is a gift from God, no matter where we are. He has given us today. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39). Whether we have answers or not, we must lean on Jesus. We can fully trust in Him.

Jesus is always enough. Lean completely on Him.