You're Not Too LateSample

BE HONEST WITH GOD

My husband and I have very different communication styles.

His: Direct and plainly spoken.

Mine: Well, … anything but that.

After a lot of practice, I’ve become more confident in expressing what I need. But sometimes I wonder: Do I also need to be more direct with God? I am encouraged by the words of King David, a man after God’s own heart, who asked God hard questions. If you’ve ever asked these questions, you will find comfort in how David brought the same longings before God:

Can I really be honest with God about how exhausted I am? “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes” (Psalm 6:6–7).

Has God forgotten about me? “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?” (Psalm 13:1–2)

Will God ever answer my prayer? “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest” (Psalm 22:1–2).

Does God really see, or care about, my longings? “O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you” (Psalm 38:9).

Does God really see my hidden sin? “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment” (Psalm 51:3–4).

Does God notice my weariness? “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:1–2).

God doesn’t turn away from us in our pain. He longs for intimacy with us. His arms are a safe place for your despair to land.

God, all my desires lie open before you. What do you want me to hear from you today? Amen.