What can I talk about with God?

The examples of people bringing their concerns to God abound in Scripture: Hannah asked God for a son (1 Samuel 1:9-11); Job argued his case before God (Job 12:13–14:19); Daniel pleaded with God to show mercy toward his people (Daniel 9:4–18); Habakkuk complained about the success of evil people and asked God for justice (Habakkuk 1:2-4, 12-17). The psalm writers (especially David) expressed their deepest feelings to God, including anger fear, sorrow, bitterness, and repentance. See, for example: Psalm 4:1; 5:1; 6:1–7; 7:1; 10:1-18; 12:1-4; 13:1-4; 17:1-2; 22:1-21; 25:16-22; 26:1-12; 27:9; 28:1-3; 31:9-18; 35:17; 38:1-22; 39:12-13; 44:9-26; 59:1-5; 74:1-11; 79:5-13; 83:1-2; 88:12-18; 89:46-51; 94:1-7; 102:1-11; 108:10-12; 119:81-88; 142:1-2.

Genesis 18:23-25, 32-33Abraham approached him [the Lord] and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” . . . Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.

Afraid that God would destroy godly people along with the ungodly in Sodom, Abraham boldly questioned and bargained with God, pleading that God would spare the city.

Exodus 33:12-14One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Moses wanted answers and to be assured of God’s presence with him as he was about to lead God’s people to the Promised Land.

Judges 6:13“Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt’? But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.”

Gideon was almost brash in his asking God for clear direction and strength to face Israel’s enemies. He was also forthright and honest.

Jeremiah 14:9“Are you also confused? Is our champion helpless to save us? You are right here among us, Lord. We are known as your people. Please don’t abandon us now!”

Here we see an angry prophet, Jeremiah, pleading with God.

Jeremiah 15:18“Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry.”

Jeremiah honestly looked to God for answers and for relief.