God Takes Our Hurts, Needs, Worries And Seeks Us Out

When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32

Have you ever had in your life a person who just hated everything? Someone who tore down or griped about everyone and anything?

How did that make you feel? Were your spirits depressed after spending time with them? Did you come away feeling like you needed a good shower to wipe away the figurative dirt? Do you cringe when you see them in the grocery store because you know your life will get more complicated? Do you screen their calls?

If you've ever had someone like that in your life, you know just how badly they can make you feel. And, you've gotten a little bit of a taste of how God feels as well. Because just think of how we communicate to God.

In our prayers we complain.

"Dear God, why can't I have that new sports car like Joe!?"

In our prayers we beg.

"Dear God, please, please let me get that promotion!"

In our prayers we criticize.

"OK. God. I don't know why you won't listen to me, but... ."

In our prayers we gripe.

"God I asked for you to give me patience, but instead you made me wait in line for four hours!"

In our prayers we attack others.

"Please God don't let me be like Little Susie next door! She is a mess."

In our prayers we defy.

"God I know the preacher wants me to lead a Sunday School class, but I don't have time to do that."

In our prayers we mourn. And we lament. And we argue. And we protest and feud. And...And...And...

When you come to think about it, what really do we have to offer God? In truth we have nothing but our hurts. The slights we've experienced. The needs that haven't been met. The worries that plague us at night. The hurts we need to heal from.

But instead of screening our calls, God listens and heals.

Instead of avoiding us, God intentionally seeks us out.

We are the people we try to avoid. It's because we can't be anything else. Pain, hurt and misery is all we can offer to God. But the glorious thing is God takes it all in and in return offers us peace, hope and love.

God truly is a friend to the friendless.

Let us pray.

Our God of glory and strength. We know that we too often forget to offer true praise to you. We get so bogged down in the hurts and worries of our own lives, we forget that you gave us a true sacrifice through Jesus. Today we pray blessings to you. We give thanks for your lovingkindness and for the grace you work in our lives. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.

Religion on 08/19/2015