MONDAY

James 5:13

• How can coming to Jesus in prayer with your concerns help you grow closer to him?

A few years ago, I was in a relationship that was extremely unhealthy. My partner and I were struggling deeply, both personally and as a couple. Looking back, we desperately needed therapy. At the time, we thought we were respecting our relationship by keeping everything we were wounded by a total secret. We didn’t tell anyone. I was withering away— literally. I was so stressed about my relationship that I was barely eating, exercising profusely to manage my anxious energy. It was a complete disaster, and one of the darkest times of my life.

Finally, my partner suggested I reach out to a pastor at the local church that I knew. I texted her, worried about finally divulging something so personal to someone at last. Would she judge me? Would she hate me? Would she think less of me?

Perched uncomfortably on her velvet orange couch, I made small talk for a few minutes before, finally, it all spilled out like an erupting volcano. And it felt so extraordinarily relieving to be able to talk about everything with someone—at last.

Our prayer life should be honest. If God already knows our thoughts, why do we sometimes feel afraid to share them in prayer? I have challenged these fears over the years in my own spiritual journey, and the more I prioritize honesty when talking to God, the more open, free, and authentic I feel.

The next time you’re angry, sad, or discouraged—tell God about it. And don’t hold back! As my old youth pastor used to say, “God is big enough for your big questions.”