Today’s Reading: John 11:16-21
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’”
* * * * *
When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.
In observance of Jewish tradition, mourners had come to the house. They grieved loudly with the family over the loss of Lazarus.
Martha heard Jesus was near. She met him outside the house and expressed her anger and disappointment in his delay. She said that if he had arrived earlier, her brother would not have died.
Jesus understood how Martha felt. And he understands when you are frustrated with him.
Everyone experiences dashed disappointments. When this happens, it’s okay to express your feelings. They are in-built responders to life situations that surround you. God made your feelings. He placed them inside you.
There are two dangerous extremes to which you can go with your feelings. On one end of the continuum, you stuff them. You refuse to admit them. You pretend they are not present. This is very unhealthy to do. Eventually, it can cause depression.
Contrarily, you can dump them on everyone around you. This is unhealthy as well. People will flee from your presence. They won’t want to deal with your negative emotions.
What is the answer? Go to Jesus with your feelings. Tell them to him. Cry out to him. Don’t hold anything back. Tell him what’s on your heart. David did this repeatedly in the Psalms. The Lord was not upset with him.
God comes to those who are crushed in spirit. He will not extinguish a flickering light, nor break a bruised reed. No matter how great our hurt, his comfort is greater.
Jesus is ready to handle your feelings. He wants you to come to him when you are weary from the load of heavy burdens. Go to him today if you are feeling anger and disappointment. Share your heart with him. Don’t hold anything back.
Don’t sin by letting frustration seethe within you. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. It gives a foothold to the devil. It’s destructive to your soul. Tell Jesus all your hurts and despair. Be honest, as Martha was. He didn’t become angry with her. And he won’t be angry with you.
Let him carry your feelings. Cast them all upon him, for he cares for you. Don’t hold any back. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you. He will place you back on a firm foundation.
And you’ll feel your burden melting away.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]