Expressing Frustration To God

Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”

Genesis 15:2-4

Abram’s intimacy with God is demonstrated vividly in this prayer. He bared his soul before God. He told God how life looked from his perspective and how he felt about it. He even had the audacity to complain that God’s blessings were not enough! Most of us wouldn’t feel comfortable laying out our whole case before God in this way. But God did not rebuke Abram for his boldness. Instead he clarified his promise to him—that Abram’s own son would be the heir.

Are there longings in your life that have gone unfulfilled for long periods of time? Abram’s example should encourage you to tell God about them. Don’t be afraid to reveal your deepest desires to the Lord. Trust in him; he will answer. Sometimes he answers in ways we can’t even imagine.

• O sovereign Lord, I bare my soul to you about my frustrations . . .