Sharing REAL Issues With God is Good For Us!

During my quiet time with God this morning, I finished reading a chapter in Pastor Rick Warren's book: The Purpose Driven Life.

In it he said that we should be REAL with God like we would be with a friend. He said that God wants us to be authentic with him. Pastor Rick quoted Job 42:7b (MSG) that says "You haven't been honest either with me or about me--not the way my friend Job has...My friend Job will now pray for you and I will accept his prayer."

I have always been careful to begin my morning prayer time with things I'm thankful for but did not think to include my frustrations or fears. After journaling a bit, I began to share with God my current frustrations with a circumstance that has yet to be resolved. I also asked some tough questions like Why is it that when we finally get the courage to go after a dream, that we feel He gave us, almost immediately we find ourselves stumbling over hurdle after hurdle?

A few minutes into my frank discussion, I began to feel better. "No", I didn't hear any audible answers, in case you're wondering. I did feel closer to God and I felt a peace that He is in control even if I don't understand why things happen the way they do.

Start off 2008 right by getting REAL with God. He is not going to be surprised. Guess what: He already knows how you feel anyway. He just wants us to admit how we're feeling--to him. Does that make sense? The result will be a closer, deeper relationship with Him which is what He wants and what we need.

-Kristy