Give God a Piece of Your Mind

You may have seen either a stage production or the movie version of Fiddleron the Roof. Recall the scene where Tevye, the poor Jewish milkman, complains to God: “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan / If I were a wealthy man?”

          Tevye is on intimate terms with God. He has great respect for his Creator, but he feels free to gripe and complain, as well, and this is a happiness nourishing activity. You may have the inclination, when something bad happens, to be merely submissive, to say to God, “Thy will be done,” and let it go at that. But maybe that’s not the healthiest attitude, spiritually speaking. Maybe it’s better to be completely honest with God. Perhaps God can take whatever you can dish out.

          The Book of Psalms, in the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, is loaded with honest human emotions directed at God, everything from anger and complaint to thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms run the gamut of human emotions.

          “Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? / Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). Words such as these are prayer every bit as much as those that sound more reverent or pious. In the same way, you can be honest with God by questioning God or getting angry with God. To do this is to nourish your soul in deep and satisfying ways. God can take it. 

          Are you angry about something going on in your life or in the world? Are you feeling angry with God because of this? Then raise hell with God. Tell God how you feel about it. You may be surprised at the results of such a prayer. And it is prayer, you may receive a “message” in return that you would never expect.

          An example: A young woman was expecting her first baby, and she miscarried. She and her husband were sad, of course. But before long the young woman realized that she was not just sad, but angry. She took a walk in a deserted suburban park, and as she walked she cried and told the Creator of the universe how angry she was. “I’m angry at you, God,” she said. “Why did you let this happen? Why? Why?”

          Suddenly, the young woman “heard” in her heart a voice saying, “ I want this baby to be with me now. That’s all you need to know.”

          The young woman was filled with peace; she was reconciled to what had happened, but this might never have happened had she not allowed herself to be angry with God, had she not told God how she felt. Being honest with God allowed her to work through this painful experience and come out healthy and at peace on the other side.

          So be honest about your feelings with God.