Wrestling with God

Two minutes of silence

Psalm 10:1

Why, Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

The writer of this prayer is being completely honest with the Lord, explaining how he actually feels. He wonders why the Lord seems so far away. And more importantly he wants to know where the Lord was when he was experiencing so much trouble and suffering. Was the Lord hiding himself? Was he scared of his enemies? Did the Lord just not care that this Psalmist was suffering?

You might be surprised to hear a man of God being so honest. Can we really say what we feel to the Lord? Can we really be so bold? Can I really say, “Lord, where were you when I was getting abused?”

Not only can you say those words, but Jesus himself said something similar. From the cross, Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

So today, allow yourself to be completely honest about your feelings to the Lord. Lament, mourn, grieve, and cry out to him. Let your deepest wounds be exposed to the Lord of the universe. He not only gives you permission to be so honest, but the opening words of this Psalm give you the very words to cry out to him.

Prayer

Lord, there is so much pain that is deep within my heart. And at the depths of my soul there is a question: Why? Why, Lord? Why did you stand so far off when I was suffering? In your mercy, let me be honest with you about what is stirring in my heart and soul. Amen.

Two minutes of silence