Is your innermost being still in turmoil? – 2 August 2022

Are you discontented or even angry and resentful about something in your life?

I know of a man who was no longer part of the Church for 14 years. One day, he summoned the pastor to speak openly and candidly about his reasons. After a few minutes of talking, he suddenly stopped for a few seconds and then said, “In other words … I was a stupid fool all along.”

Rather than continue to fret on our own, we may approach God with the doubts and turmoil within us, just like John the Baptist asked according to Luke 7:19, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” It helps to sit before God quietly, honestly seek advice and invite him into your mind and spirit – to look at the cause and effect together and be given insight, understanding, discernment and a way to respond to it with the attitude of Christ Jesus.

Paul writes to the Philippians, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best …” (Philippians 1: 9-10) Once again, consider that God’s love and thoughts are greater than ours – and our turbulent feelings. Please read Psalm 32:8. Isaiah 30:20-21 (ESV) also says of God, “… your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’”

Have a look at 1 Kings 19 and see how the Lord guided Elijah out of his anxiety, frustration and discouragement and gave him direction and purpose again.

Prayer: Holy Lord God, I confess my frustration and resentment about (name it). Please help me to hear your voice above mine and gain insight, understanding, discernment, direction and peace through it again. Amen