Jonah 4:1-4 NLT
This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. [2] So he complained to the LORD about it: "Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. [3] Just kill me now, LORD! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen." [4] The LORD replied, "Is it right for you to be angry about this?"
Jonah, if nothing else, was very honest with God.
He must have had a close enough relationship with the Lord in order to hear His voice even if he chose to disobey it at first.
Moreover he wasn't shy about voicing his feelings and anger about what was happening around him.
It's what we all need to do. If we want to moan, moan to the Lord - He knows how we feel anyway. So turn that moan or anger into a prayer, like Jonah did.
The Lord wants honesty from us. We don't need sanctimonious long prayers - we need heart prayers.
If we're confused and asking why this or why that - tell it to Him.
Even if you don't believe He exists, tell Him that!!
Pray your doubts out as a prayer...
Reading the Psalms we see how they communicate very real emotions to the Living God.
Psalm 137:1-4 NLT
Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem. [2] We put away our harps, hanging them on the branches of poplar trees. [3] For our captors demanded a song from us. Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn: "Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!" [4] But how can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a pagan land?
Today, tell God how you feel... Be honest.
Comments