Have you ever turned your back for just a moment, only to find your child covered in flour or smearing toothpaste across the sink? What’s your first response? Almost certainly: “What are you doing?!”
That simple question isn’t just for mischievous children. It’s a divine inquiry that God himself poses to us in our most pivotal moments.
God’s Questions Transform, Not Inform
When God asks “What doest thou here?” as He did to Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19:9), He’s not seeking information. God already knows exactly what we’re doing and why. His questions are meant to transform us—to cut through our excuses and reach the heart of our condition.
Today, in the quiet of your heart, God may be asking you the same penetrating question: “What are you doing?” Let’s explore three situations where God asks this life-changing question.
Running From God: What Are You Doing?
The Angry Prophet
Jonah didn’t just disagree with God’s plan—he actively fled from it. After a storm, a whale, a miracle, and even a revival, we find Jonah still angry with God.
“And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.” (Jonah 4:9)
Jonah’s heart remained distant because he couldn’t accept God’s mercy toward his enemies. He never truly returned to God, despite the divine pursuit.
The Hiding Sinners
“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:8-9)
Isn’t it remarkable how sin makes us hide from the very One who can save us? We’re like babies who cover their eyes and believe they’re invisible. Yet as Scripture reminds us: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)
The storms and great fish in our lives—those trials and troubles—they’re not punishment. They’re God’s way of turning our attention back to Him when we’re running away.
Self-Pity and Depression: What Are You Doing?
After his triumphant victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, one threat from Jezebel sent Elijah spiraling into despair.
“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:9-10)
Do you recognize this “Elijah syndrome”? That feeling that you’re the only one standing for what’s right? That everyone else has abandoned God’s ways?
God’s response wasn’t a rebuke but a revelation: “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:18)
God always has a remnant. When we feel alone in serving Him, we need to connect with other believers. Remember Elisha’s powerful faith: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)
Self-pity blinds us to God’s presence and provision. His question—”What are you doing?”—calls us from self-focus to God-focus. Depression may be real, but it’s a valley faith can help us climb out of.
Not Having Faith in God: What Are You Doing?
The Disciples in the Storm
“And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:25-27)
Think about this: The disciples had Jesus physically in their boat, yet still feared death! His question essentially asks, “What are you doing being fearful when I am with you?”
The same voice that created the seas could calm them with a word. And the storms of your life can be calmed with one word from Jesus, who lives within you.
Peter Walking on Water
When Peter began to sink after walking on water toward Jesus, Christ immediately rescued him with an important question: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)
Peter had enough faith to step out of the boat, but not enough to keep his eyes fixed on Christ. Jesus was asking: “What are you doing looking at the waves instead of me?”
Faith maintains its gaze on the Savior, not the storm. If we are truly saved, Jesus is with us always. As He promised: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Listen for the Still Small Voice
God’s voice often comes not in dramatic displays but in quiet moments—not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in that “still small voice” that spoke to Elijah.
We all have a choice: listen to God or continue going our own way. But don’t say God didn’t warn you when He gently asked, “What are you doing?”
The next time you hear that divine question in your spirit, respond as Samuel did: “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:9)
And remember this timeless promise: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
What are YOU doing today?