Jacob wrestled with God physically, perhaps along with the soul’s wrestling. The Sons of Korah wrestle with God and themselves mentally. When Jesus asked his disciples and the religious leaders questions he wanted them to struggle mentally with the hope they would come to logical and wise conclusions.
“Who do people say that I am?” “Why do you worry about clothes?” (Matthew 6:28) “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in you own eyes?” (Matthew 7:3) “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4) “Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3) “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” (Matthew 10:8) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?”
Asking questions to self as the author is doing is not necessarily the action of some mental disease. Rather, self-imposed diagnostic questions can lead to mental healing. Asking, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” leads to a command to self, “Put your hope in God.”
However, telling one’s self such wise things is one thing. Doing the right thing is another. I pray, “Increase our faith!” as Jesus’ disciples responded to his teaching about forgiving our brother who sins seven times a day and asks for forgiveness seven times a day. “Give me the power and strength and love, whatever is needed, to do your will for me.”
