When God's Against Us

"The LORD hath chastened me sore: but He hath not given me over unto death." 
{Psalm 118:18}

How awful is it when God is the one against us? It's one thing if it's someone else that's against us; our friend, a co-worker, a loved-one, or even someone we can't stand. We can go to God and find Him and get His comfort and help. But when we feel it's Him that's against us? Well, how awful! It's like death! It can't get any worse!

And then, if we are known to be the one to proclaim His goodness and His mercies - and praise His name, how awful is it when one aggravation after another aggravation come against us from every corner?

Are we going to get angry with God like Job did and say, What have you against me? I didn't do anything wrong! Or are we going to give up on God and say, No more! This is it! I'm doing it my way and am not serving You anymore!

Far be it! Don't do that! But I would do what Job did and say with a humble heart, "Okay, Lord God, what have I done? Please show me. Why are all these terrible things happening to me in my life? Open my eyes. Please show me if there's anything I'm doing wrong or supposed to do? Please show me."

It could be, as His people, we have turned against the Lord and have sinned against Him. We could have been rebellious and haven't been listening to the Lord. If that is the case with us, we might as well swallow our pride and acknowledge God's righteousness. We can't keep fighting Him and insisting what we want. It's never going to work! We are never going to win. The sooner we acknowledge our rebellious tendencies before Him, the sooner we will find His mercies and grace! And He will ease up on those afflictions and trials. He will gladly show us how to return back to Him and please Him again. His desire is to help us, not make serving Him hard on us but easy. The Bible states His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If you've been feeling overwhelmed about serving the Lord, something's wrong. We need to talk to Him about it. He is not a tyrant. He is a loving and compassionate Master - we just need to talk to Him about it.

I know serving God can sometimes become overwhelming and miserable. And we often think it's normal…"This is how it's supposed to be." We have a secular job we go to everyday, then a household to run, then on top of it church services to attend and the demands of our pastors and ministers. At the end of the day we feel exhausted and resentful. Then we reproach ourselves for feeling this way. And we know we have to pray. But who feels like praying now?

Something has got to give and prayer can't be one of them. Give everything else up - cooking, cleaning, going to church; but never prayer! Without it you are going to be lost…You are going to sink! You are going to be a ship without a rudder or direction. You need prayer!

Talk to the Lord. I don't care where it is. In your car - away from everyone that can see you or hear you - and just talk. Tell the Lord exactly what's eating you up - your life - your housework - your husband - your children - your work - church! Whatever they are - talk to Him. Complain. Yes, complain! King David did. How do you think He got himself encouraged in the Lord? He "complained" to God his troubles. Look what king David said here:

"I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before Him; I showed before Him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knew(est) my path…" {Psalm 142:1-3}

The Lord cannot help us if we do not tell Him what's bothering us. And yes, even church work! It could be that that wasn't even His idea for you. It might have been your own or you forgot to check with Him whether you should agree to that role your pastor or your minister asked you to take. Just because it was your "elder" or pastor or minister that asked you doesn't mean it's from God. We must check with Him at all times what He thinks. It is His work after all.

And maybe you're not even supposed to work a secular job. Maybe your heart is really to staying home and taking care of your children but you are pressured about money! Talk to the Lord about it. He could easily show you another way to bringing in income without you ever stepping foot outside your house! He has many resources - the Lord. Trust Him to bring them to you. Do not settle. Tell Him what you desire. But you must hang on and trust Him every step of the way. It might not happen overnight, but He will show you.

When God wants us, and wants our attention, He will get it. He knows how. And so, let's not harden our hearts against Him. Because at the very bottom of it is His love for us. He wants to save us and spare us from things we do not see ahead. He alone knows. We must trust Him.

And let us not get into "God-hating" - "tantrums" scenarios - which I'm sure we all fall prey to. Oh, God, why are you doing this?! God! Why do you hate me?! What have I done?! Why are things so wrong in my life?!

Forget it - you're not ever going to get anywhere with that. I've been there - done that. I just end up worse and even more depressed.

The only way out is to come to Him and seriously ask His help. And with an open mind say, "Jesus, please show me what to do. Please, Savior if I have done anything displeasing before you, please forgive me and bring me back to you. Please help me."

Your life's mess may not unravel overnight; but I guarantee you it will. God has been trying to get your attention because He can see something in the future that you cannot see. He loves you. He loves us. And He wants what's best for us.

So next time when it feels like God seems against us, just talk to Him. He is trying to get your attention.