Today's Verse: Job 7:11

We sometimes think of God as too fragile, distant, or brooding to speak honestly with him about our dilemmas. Others want to never appear to doubt, be angry, or be disappointed with God, thinking it might appear irreverent. Job, however, was not so shy. He did not live in denial about his anguish, pain, and disappointment with God. He spoke honestly out of life that was honorable and reverent before his great God (Job 1:1). Job is our great reminder that God prefers us to maintain our relationship with him, even if it is stormy and we are weary and confused. No matter where you are in your struggles, be honest with God. Speak openly with him about your emotions. Be real about the current chapter of your life, acknowledging that pain and disappointment overwhelm you. Let him minister to your truest hurts, deepest frustrations, and greatest fears. The Psalms offer many words of honest complaint and confusion to God. Job is honest about his suffering and life's unfairness. So, you can be honest with God. You can refuse to use trite, sanitized, and cliched words that are untrue to your heart. The Holy Spirit intercedes to help clean up your words and speak the unspeakable emotions of your heart (Romans 8:26-27). Don't be silent; speak out of the anguish of your spirit and the bitterness of your soul to your Father, who hears and cares how you feel.