1592) When I’m going through a period of suffering, I rarely want someone to say, I know what it feels like. To me, this statement is like a slap in the face. Why? Because no person knows exactly what I feel like. Their life histories are not identical. Their sensitivities differ. They lack knowledge of all the details.

I need to admit that sometimes, when people just shrug their shoulders and say, Give it to God, it really rubs me the wrong way. Is giving it to God a wise thing to do? Of course, but it sounds like a brush-off.

James 5:13 tells us virtually the same thing. Here, the author says, If any among you are suffering? Let him pray. Yes, it can sound similar to what well-meaning people may have said but, coming from God, it’s different to me.

When suffering hits, we can (and should) come to God and tell him everything. This is change-worthy, not because God can change our circumstances, but because it’s helpful to speak to God, often easing some of the pain.

Getting in the habit of going to God with everything nurtures our relationship with him. Plus, he loves to hear from us, no matter what the reason.