The God that Hears

I've had a continuous relationship with God over my life.  That doesn't mean I've always thought God was worthy or that God was right.  I still have my doubts about both, but God hasn't ever had a problem with my questioning..  those problems usually came from men.  But, I think it is a Divine quality to allow others to struggle in the places where struggle is important to growth and not take it personally.  Plus, I think it is a Divine quality to question things.  My own kids have questioned me at times, and I don't think that is a bad thing.  As I said about one of them one time, if they are strong enough to question ME, they are going to be ok in life.

But, I did use to question God a lot and sometimes I felt angry at God.  None of that means I didn't have a relationship with God.  True relationships allow for true conflict.  God and the devil have a very old relationship, as well as other divine figures that walk independently.  But, I use to cast a lot of anger at God for what happened to me in life, presuming that God was responsible.  We get that idea that God is responsible by attributing to him the concept of Providence and believing that all things are being directed by him for our good.  But, I watch 5 people run red lights every single week.  People do not follow Divine direction, nor does things like disease, bacteria, or our own choices or the choices of others.  So, how can I hold God responsible for the freedom of others, unless I want God to take away all freedom, which I do not want.

But, as I swayed and screamed and acted out, I not only found that God was patient but that He LISTENED... not that he was waiting around for us to figure it out but actually HEARD me, because he cared enough to pay attention and offer care and consolation in the middle of it all.

So, this post is not to say to go church, because honestly I don't want to play roulette with whether you go to a good one or one that will take advantage of your pain to their own ends.  I don't want to involve religion at all.  But, I will say.. from my own experience.. that God is there and is listening, whenever you want to talk, and sometimes, that may be all you need.