God Frustrates
Are you frustrated by God? Maybe you thought God was supposed to make you happy? Maybe you don't like the way God works in the world or questions whether he does? It may be that you have an unhelpful view of God's intentions.
What does the Bible say about our frustrations with God? -
- Unfairness - Psalm 73v1-4
- Perspective of end - Psalm 73v16-20
- Created for a purpose - Acts 17v25-28
- Living with the end in view - John 17v1-8
Unfairness
Psalms 73:1-4
Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.
They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is this person’s response to lack of fairness in the world?
- Why would one envy those who get ahead by doing wrong?
Thoughts to consider
Seeing other people get what we long for can stir emotions. Some respond by thinking God has got it wrong or that he is incapable or that he does not care. Another response is to admit, I don’t understand God’s perspective.
Perspective of end
Psalms 73:16-20
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!
Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.
In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What changed the writer’s perspective?
- What is the final outcome for the wicked?
Thoughts to consider
God has a perspective that extends beyond this life to eternity. A future which cannot be seen but has to be taken on faith. This perspective is essential for a full life.
Created for a purpose
Acts 17:25-28
He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.
“His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is the purpose for which God created us?
- How could that effect the way we view life?
Thoughts to consider
God created us to have a relationship with him. He extends his hand in love to provide what we need. His desire is that we reach out and receive him.
Living with the end in view
John 17:1-8
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.
“I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How did Jesus exemplify this relationship with God?
- What confidence does Jesus have in those whom the Father has given him?
Thoughts to consider
Jesus’ whole purpose on earth was directed toward this relationship with God. He was working to sweep people up into a great move focused on the Father. He gave his life for us to join him in it, and for that he will have a glory that is beyond our imagination, a glory which we who willingly follow will share.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- Consider your life’s ups and downs with God’s end in mind. How has God been developing you for a relationship with him, to know him?
Thoughts to consider
God does work. He works with great love and grace as he draws us from our self centred view of life into his purposes characterised by love, faith and hope. We are stretched in our relationship with him as he takes us forward, challenge by challenge into glory.
