Talk to God
Monday, July 5
Talk to God
Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? Jeremiah 12:1
Why does communication seem simple, but prayer is hard? It is true a deep prayer life is difficult to maintain, but it is one of the most rewarding relationships we can have. God is described as a judge, but He is also a loving Father who yearns to hear from His children. God doesn’t shy away from our arguments, or even when we bring a case against Him. He can handle our frustrations. The Scriptures record many men of God openly telling God the injustice they are experiencing and the unfairness of their situations. The Bible records these interactions between God and Moses, Job, David and many others. In today’s verse Jeremiah is having one of those real conversations with God when he asks “why does the way of the wicked prosper?”
Jeremiah is asking a legit question and follows it up with understanding in verse 2 which says, “You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; they grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth but far from their mind.” Jeremiah 12:3. Here Jeremiah understands these people are of God, their very existence is in the hand of God. Jeremiah doesn’t hold back. He goes on to express real emotion in strong words about what he wants God to do to the people that oppose God and do wicked things that affect the community and nation of Israel.
This is why prayer is important. We are encouraged to bring our questions, frustrations, and concerns before God. God is big enough to handle it and often He will even answer our arguments and questions. And what happens as we do this, in return God grants us His peace. In this case, God responds to Jeremiah by encouraging him to keep the faith and He assures Jeremiah He will bring punishment on those that do evil. God also gives Jeremiah a peak into His long-term plans.
Today, be honest with God through prayer. Being honest with God will bring an honest response from God. God likes honesty. And He is big enough to handle when we are upset and questioning our life situation as well as His decisions that are affecting us.
Prayer for today: Loving Father thank You, for giving us prayer as a way to communicate with You. Through prayer we can express our feelings and thoughts honestly, even when our feelings are those of injustice, disappointment, anger and grief. Help us to know even in these moments that Your ways are good. Thank You that You are big enough to handle it. Help me to accept it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.