Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.

~Psalm 5:1-2 ESV

During an especially hard week, I read in Genesis 32 about Jacob wrestling with God all night long. I, too, have found myself grappling with God. 

After all that grappling, God blessed Jacob and changed his name to Israel, further bringing His covenant with Abraham to fruition. 

I have faced times when I struggle to understand God’s ways, I tumble my questions over and over in prayers that don’t sound too churchy. Questions like, “What in the world is happening right now, Lord?” and plain old “Why, Lord?” During one particularly distressing week, I blurted out, “Are you picking on me, God?” Grapple, grapple, grapple.

But my God is a champion wrestler. He always wins. He doesn’t pin me down to defeat me but to help me “be still and know that [He is] God” (Psalm 46:10 ESV).

When I cried out my grapply questions, I felt God’s hands on my shaking shoulders and His thumb wiping away my tears. I didn’t sense any anger or disappointment from Him in response to my anger and disappointment. Instead, I felt love, compassion, and the soothing comfort of a gentle, faithful Father.

If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

~2 Timothy 2:13 ESV

Remember God is with you in your rejoicing and in your wrestling. He is with you, always. Go to Him as you are and find rest.

Lord, sometimes, I don’t understand what You’re up to. Thank You for receiving my questions with love and grace. I love and trust You, Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Grappling with God: Lee Merrill: All Rights Reserved.

Please follow and like us:

20

20

20

20