There is something comforting for a child when they turn to their parents in times of pain. Even as an adult, I find peace and comfort in talking to my parents during difficult times. A good parent welcomes the invitation for their child to tell them when they are struggling or in pain, and does not turn them away. The same is true with God. When we are going through hardships and experiencing pain, He invites us to come to Him and share how we are feeling, and He cares about us.
Job understood that he could be honest with God about the trials he was facing. We learn in the book of Job that he lost his family, his health, and his wealth in what must have felt like an instant. In the midst of his intense suffering, Job poured his heart out. He was honest with God about his pain. Job 7 records one of his prayers to God. He began the prayer saying, “My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle. They end without hope” (verse 6). Job was certainly in a low place. Maybe you can relate to what Job was feeling here. He continued to express his grief and pain to God throughout the chapter. As he prayed to God, he expressed his need to share his pain with God. “I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish.” (verse 11). Job recognized that he could not help but turn to God in his suffering and share the pain he was feeling.
We learn in Scripture that God not only tolerates our honest prayers of struggles and hardships, but He also invites us to come to Him. Jesus said in Matthew 11, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (verses 28-29). When we turn to Christ, we find peace and rest.
As our perfect Heavenly Father, God invites us to come to Him with our hurts and burdens. He cares when we are suffering, and He promises us peace and rest. Will you turn to Him today in your pain? He cares about you and wants to hear from you. His promise when you come to Him is peace.
Your invitation today is to spend some time praying to God. As you pray, tell Him about the struggles and hardships you are facing. You can be honest with Him about how you are feeling and what you are facing. As you pray, thank Him for the peace and comfort that He promises.
“Is not all human life a struggle?
Our lives are like that of a hired hand,
like a worker who longs for the shade,
like a servant waiting to be paid.
I, too, have been assigned months of futility,
long and weary nights of misery.
Lying in bed, I think, ‘When will it be morning?’
But the night drags on, and I toss till dawn.
My body is covered with maggots and scabs.
My skin breaks open, oozing with pus.
“My days fly faster than a weaver’s shuttle.
They end without hope.
O God, remember that my life is but a breath,
and I will never again feel happiness.
You see me now, but not for long.
You will look for me, but I will be gone.
Just as a cloud dissipates and vanishes,
those who die will not come back.
They are gone forever from their home—
never to be seen again.
“I cannot keep from speaking.
I must express my anguish.
My bitter soul must complain.
Am I a sea monster or a dragon
that you must place me under guard?
I think, ‘My bed will comfort me,
and sleep will ease my misery,’
but then you shatter me with dreams
and terrify me with visions.
I would rather be strangled—
rather die than suffer like this.
I hate my life and don’t want to go on living.
Oh, leave me alone for my few remaining days.
“What are people, that you should make so much of us,
that you should think of us so often?
For you examine us every morning
and test us every moment.
Why won’t you leave me alone,
at least long enough for me to swallow!
If I have sinned, what have I done to you,
O watcher of all humanity?
Why make me your target?
Am I a burden to you?
Why not just forgive my sin
and take away my guilt?
For soon I will lie down in the dust and die.
When you look for me, I will be gone.”
