From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:66-69

I was once spiritually shortsighted.  It was easy because I was in distress.  God looked guilty when I considered my circumstances because no matter how I looked at things, it appeared He had failed to love me the way He should if He was really a good Father. Angry and hurt, I made some terrible spiritual decisions. Now, years later ~ here’s what I would say to do if you and God are not intimate.

1. Go toward him, not away from him. The very one you’re angry with is usually the last one you want to run to for help. And yet, God invites all of us to pour out our complaint. Who will you run to for help if you don’t have God?

2. Verbalize your issues. When things swirl in your head, there is no clear thinking, and the cobwebs only multiply. Talk to God. Write out what you’re thinking and feeling. Spell out the conclusions you’ve made about him. Repent for name-calling.

3. Ask God to take you to the right scriptures and open your heart to them. He is the God who promises to write His Word on our hearts.

4. Make sure you talk to the right people.  Angry people will feed your anger against God; angry people love hanging out with angry people.

5. Look for a temporary mediator with skin on. You can talk to a seasoned Christian who has survived crushing times. They have, most likely, felt the same things you’re dealing with, and yet God has gotten them to the other side with their faith intact. They will offer a perspective that is life-saving and valuable.

The truth shall set each one of us free. Assassination of God’s character, which results in estrangement, afflicts children of God at some point in their lives. Anger seems justified, but it never is. God will not cooperate in our demand that He prove His own goodness. Trust, faith, and humility ensure we will escape painful spiritual detours.

You, Jesus, proved everything in Your incarnation. Let me bask in the story of the Gospel. Amen