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DEVOTION / Swallowed by Jonah-sized disappointment

DEVOTION / Swallowed by Jonah-sized disappointment

Devotions, Blog

Frustrated? Sad? Disappointed?

We've all been there. Things didn't work out the way we wanted them to. Our prayers weren't answered the way we thought they should. Now there are those nagging questions:

  • Does God really care?

  • Does he hear our prayers?

  • Why should I even bother?

Look to Jonah

The Old Testament book of Jonah is a great place to gain perspective. Often when we think of Jonah, we think of God's disappointment with him because of his actions. But a closer look reveals Jonah sometimes looks a lot like us in our times of doubt and disappointment.

Thumbnail overview

Jonah ran away. God had called him to terrifying work — preaching to the dreaded, brutal people of Nineveh. After God got Jonah's attention, he blessed his work. Nineveh repented and was saved.

Check out Jonah 4:1-10. Here Jonah is outside the city. He is pouting, filled with disappointment at God's goodness. God had not done what he wanted. And now he is mad . . . so angry he asks God to end his life. The irony is stunning, but Jonah doesn't see it.

Jonah in our mirror

Jonah is filled with selfish emotions. We know the feeling...

  • the healing that didn't come

  • the loved one who passed away

  • plans that didn't really work out

  • unanswered prayers

It's clear Jonah was not right in being angry at the Lord. God has just demonstrated his mercy to Jonah for his sinful attempt to run away. More than that, God's love and compassion rescued a whole city from destruction!

Jonah rationalizes his own sin and is focused on the death of his beloved shade plant. It is almost laughable to see Jonah's mixed up priorities. This misguided prophet's anger can help us analyze our own issues. If we take the time, we can often see our mistaken disappointment with God.

Learn from Jonah

  • When we feel angry with God, go to him. He know our thoughts completely (Psalm 139). He alone can help us in times of need.

  • Confess sinful selfishness and seek God's forgiveness.

  • Remember God is in control of everything — from individual plants to entire nations.

  • Ask God to expand our vision past our wants or wishes. God has plans far bigger than Jonah (or we) could ever conceive.

  • God cares for Jonah (and us) as well as the whole of his creation.

Prayer

Lord, how easily we can let our doubts, fears, and anger cloud our vision. When sin twists our view of your grace and goodness, forgive us and call us back to the truth found only in you.