Purposeful Living

12 Questions for God to Help You Walk With Him

At times, most of us have questions for God.  We want to know why he permits suffering, and we seek him for purpose and direction.

When I think of questions for God, the book of Habakkuk comes to mind.  The book of Habakkuk is unique because it takes the form of a dialogue between Habakkuk and God.  Habakkuk asks questions.  God answers.

Most of us won’t hear God’s audible voice when we approach him with questions, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t turn to God with our questions.

Today, we’ll explore 12 questions for God that can help us walk with him and live in alignment with him.

First, let’s talk about how God answers our questions.

Questions for God

Before we explore these questions, it’s important to understand that God answers our questions in many different ways.

How God Speaks

1. God speaks through Scripture.

God most reliably speaks through the words of the Bible.  Whenever possible, we should seek God’s answers by turning to Scripture and seeing what God’s Word says.

We’ll all face situations in which it’s tough to find direct answers in the Bible.  When these times come, we can still rely on the wisdom found in the Bible by asking, Does this answer align with the overall message of Scripture?

2. God speaks through wisdom and common sense.

God’s answers to our questions are always wise, and his answers adhere to common sense.

I’ve learned that when I’m seeking God’s direction, I can ask, “Is this decision wise?”

Following the voice of wisdom helps us stay in step with God.

3. God speaks through other people.

At times, God also answers our questions through other people.  We seek direction or healing from God, and he offers it through the words spoken by others.  This is why it’s so important for us to have authentic relationships with other people.  We all need other people to speak into our lives.

4. God speaks through impressions from the Holy Spirit.

God can also answer our questions through clear impressions spoken to our spirits.  These impressions usually come in the form of wise thoughts.  They are pure, life-giving, peace-loving, and align with Scripture.  We can test these impressions against the wisdom offered by other people.

5. God speaks through our circumstances.

Additionally, God answers our questions through our circumstances.  He opens doors of opportunity and guides us through the events that unfold in front of us.

Let’s now look at 12 powerful questions for God as we seek to follow him.

12 Powerful Questions for God

The first five questions on this list can be helpful daily questions for self-reflection.  I like to end my days lying in bed and asking God at least one of these questions.  He usually responds by reminding me of a moment from my day.

Some of these questions are broad, seeking God’s direction for our lives.

God wants to direct us, and we should directly ask him for guidance.  Let these questions help you.

1. God, when were you working in my life today, and I missed you in the moment?

At the end of the day, I ask this question, and then I rest in the silence, mentally walking through the events of my day.

God almost always shows me a moment when he was working but I was preoccupied and didn’t notice.

This can be a helpful question to ask our kids, teaching them to become more aware of God’s presence.  Before I tuck our six-year-old into bed, I often ask him, “What was one moment today when God helped you, but you didn’t even realize it at the time?”

He recalls moments when he struggled with math problems, felt nervous, or made mistakes.  He is becoming more aware of God’s presence in his life.

2. God, where have I offended you or fallen short of your glory?

I ask this question at the start of most new days.  I ask God to help me review the past 24 hours and show me when I sinned in words, attitudes, or actions.

Most of the time, something comes to mind.  I realize I snapped at one of our children, had a bad attitude, or indulged my flesh instead of obeying God.  I then confess the sin, repent, and receive God’s forgiveness.

This practice is transformational and leads to growth and change.

3. God, what blessings have I overlooked?

It’s easy to muddle through our days without giving thanks.

At the end of the day, I ask God to show me the blessings I missed because I was hurried or distracted.

Most days, at least two or three moments come to mind.

4. God, where have I failed to embody your love?

This is another good question to ask at the end of the day.  God wants to show us when we fall short and don’t carry his love to others.

He never condemns us as he reveals these moments; he wants to mold us into the image of Jesus, making us more loving.12 Questions for God

5. God, what do you want me to know about you?

God wants to reveal himself to us.  Ask God to show you what he wants you to know about his character and his love for you.

This is a good question to ask before reading your Bible.

6. God, to whom are you calling me to carry your love and hope today?

Every morning, I pray over our kids.  I pray that they will carry God’s love and hope to those surrounding them.

I also pray God will help me remain attentive to him throughout the day so that I might intentionally share his love and encouragement with others.

This is the calling for all followers of Christ.

Ask God to show you the faces of the people he wants you to love, and he will guide you.

7. God, how do you see me?

Understanding the way God sees us anchors our identities in him.

Ask God to show you how he sees you, and he will reveal this to you.  The Bible is a good place to turn as you aim to answer this question.

8. God, what is your purpose for me?

God wants to reveal his purpose for you.

For 10 truths about God’s purposes and plans, join me here.

9. God, what is my calling?

God has a specific calling for your life.

Your calling will use your greatest talents and passions to help others.

Most of all, your calling is to love God and love others.  Focus on these two primary parts of your calling, and the details will fall into place.

10. God, why are you allowing me to suffer?

Some people say we should never ask God why he allows suffering.

I’ve learned that God welcomes all my questions.  He doesn’t always answer according to my expectations, but he wants me to draw near to him honestly, without reservations.

If you are suffering today, read here for some of God’s purposes for suffering.

11. God, what is on your heart?

A few years ago, a friend told me she regularly asked God this question.

This question can help us look beyond our circumstances and see God’s greater vision for his children and his desires on earth.

12. God, who do you want me to become today?

Every morning, I used to ask God what he wanted me to do that day.

In time, I learned to ask a different question, a deeper question: God, who do you want me to become today?

Talk to God about this.  He is shaping you into the image of love, and he will answer this question.

Read here for 12 powerful questions for God as you aim to walk in his will. #trust #faith Share on X12 Questions for God

If these questions for God encouraged you, I invite you to explore our family devotionals and library of free devotionals and eBooks below.  May God direct your heart and align your desires with his desires.12 Questions for God

Calling All Parents and Grandparents!

As the parent of two sons and a daughter, I have a heart for helping parents develop deeper relationships with their children and with God.  Our kids, ages 6, 11, and 15, share this vision.  They have helped me write three family devotionals for parents or older relatives to read with the children and teens they love.  You can find all three books here or read more below.Daily Devotions for Kids

Attention All Boy Moms (and Dads)!

God’s Warrior: Devotions for Boys Who Want to Grow in Courage and Strength helps young boys, ages 5-13, learn what it means to trust God and become strong warriors for his kingdom.  Now, more than ever, our world needs men who are willing to boldly carry God’s love into the world.  I wrote this boys’ devotional book with our two young sons, Aiden and Caleb, ages six and eleven!  You’ll enjoy their honesty as we teach boys how to be strong warriors for the Lord.  Find this life-changing devotional book here.Daily Devotions for Kids

Mother-Daughter Devotionals by a Mom and Daughter

Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith is written for girls ages 7-12. It includes 60 devotions with Scripture, conversation starters, and a shared journaling section for moms and daughters after each devotion.  I wrote this book with the help of our daughter, Bekah, when she was eleven.  Find this one-of-a-kind shared devotional here.

Family Devotionals

Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls is for teenage girls ages 13-20.  It includes 50 devotions, each with a shared journaling section to help moms and daughters connect through writing.  This is a great book for moms who want to communicate about awkward topics—like dating, sexuality, peer pressure, and more—but don’t know where to start.  Bekah and I will help you right here.

Family Devotionals

Find Our Family Devotionals Here

Find all three books right here.  They are also free on the Kindle Unlimited plan, which you can enjoy with a free three-month trial!  These books make great gifts, and you don’t need to be the parent of young children to read them.  Share them with your grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or the young ones you love.Devotions for Kids by Kids

Learn Why Willpower Doesn’t Work and Experience God’s Deliverance and Healing

God wants to work in your life to accomplish what you’ve been unable to do through willpower alone.  Lean Into Grace: Let God’s Grace Heal Your Heart, Refresh Your Soul, and Set You Free shares practical ways to experience God’s freedom, healing, power, and presence in your life.  Find this life-changing book as a free eBook on Kindle Unlimited or for 12.99 in print right here.  (If you do not have Kindle Unlimited, you can try it out with a free three-month trial!) This book will transform your life and revitalize your relationship with the Lord!

A Free Devotional to Help You Connect With God

God is a good Father, and he wants us to experience his healing, deliverance, and replenishment.  Most of us have learned that we cannot heal, deliver, or refresh ourselves; we need God to do this work within us.  I invite you to create space for God to transform your life by downloading a free copy of my devotional eBook, The Lean Into Grace Devotional: An 8-Day Devotional for Healing, Deliverance, and Replenishment.  Find it for free here. I also offer a library of free online devotional eBooks for free.  I invite you to explore the collection right here!

I’m passionate about equipping others to encounter God in powerful and life-changing ways. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me hiking, jogging, exploring wild places with my three young children and husband, leading small groups, and mentoring younger women. A certified special education teacher, I am on leave from the classroom for a season of chasing frogs and playing in creeks with my little ones. Most of all, the compassionate love of Jesus has forever ravished my heart, and I'm emphatic about making his love known to the world.