Sometimes it’s just hard to fess up. Come clean. Acknowledge we blew it. Admit when we say or do something that wasn’t the best choice.
On my dog walk yesterday, a 13-year-old neighbor shared with me how she is not doing well in school. Her parents are not happy about her D- trend and she fears she will not be able to attend the same high school as her brother. Well, then my teen friend shot straight with me. She knows what she needs to do with studying, she just doesn’t feel like it.
I think most of us can relate to this honest confession. The why behind failing grades is tough to talk about. So is bringing tough issues to the surface. As a journalist and a friend, I find that people tend to disclose troubling things to me. I’ve heard the gamut of scenarios people have faced or are facing: eating disorders, miscarriages, abuse, theft, affairs, rage, prostitution, cutting, war crimes.
It pains me to hear of another’s pain. But you know what? It pains God more. Sometimes I wonder how He keeps up with all our needs and concerns. What’s it like for Him to see our hearts bending yet our spirits stiff-arming Him?
I throw a mean stiff-arm. Sometimes I just don’t want to talk much with God about my concerns. We’re tight, but I can feel burned out on life and just feel like I’m drifting a bit. This happened Saturday. I read the paper and dabbled with cleaning until I was ready to just fess up with my Maker.
I sat in my comfy loveseat and just didn’t know where to begin. So, I told God that. I’m not sure what I’m thinking or feeling right now. Sorry, I just feel off. But I know You already know this.
Then I mentally dumped my stressors in His lap. I like that about God, he can handle anything that comes His way. Yep, even my mistakes and lapses. Even my indifference.
I feel out of sorts when I don’t shoot straight with God. I think Israel’s former King David felt the same way. I like what he advised in Psalm 62:8 (NASB): “Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
God is always all ears for us. He gets our need to shoot straight. He gets our silent treatment. He even gets when we feel like we’re getting a D- and just don’t feel like doing much about it.
