Psst. Guess what? It’s ok to drop the act and be honest with God.
When you practice talking to God it’s important to show up authentically and bring your heart in its true condition. That may mean doubts and anger. Be assured, he’s not afraid of any of it. Just read the Psalms.
Maybe David and the other psalmists knew the story of the rabbi and his wife.
This couple lived a very pleasant, cordial life until one day a minor disagreement led to all their repressed anger boiling over, and they picked up plates and began throwing them at each other, shouting as glass shattered around them.
This story is not told to illustrate a breakdown. It’s told to illustrate faithfulness because nobody left the room.
God is not asking you to put on an act when you talk to him. He can handle a few plates being thrown in his direction. He just doesn’t want you to leave the room.
Ask: "Jesus, do I have any plates to throw?"
Maybe you need to vent to God about how you feel he has let you down. Maybe your plates are aimed at others and you need a safe place to express that. Whatever the case, tell God the truth about how you are thinking and feeling. Then ask him to process each grievance with you one at a time.
Ask: "Jesus, what do you want me to know about how I’m feeling? What do you want me to see?"
When we ask and listen, God will often give us his perspective, which can entirely reframe how we view a situation.
Go ahead, pick up a couple of plates. You have permission.
– Debora Daniels Albrecht