The Blazing Center

The other day I was arguing with God. Now before you string me up by my thumbs (which are rather short to begin with), hiss at me for being a heretic, and go on a Salem Blog Hunt, let me explain.

At the recommendation of some readers, I was reading the Psalms. Psalm 30:8-9 says,

To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: “What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?”

Well what do you know, David argued with God too. He’s pleading for mercy, yes, but there’s an argument hidden in these words too. Do you see it? David argues, What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? David is reasoning with God, giving God reason after to answer his prayer.

There’s a reason David’s argument is recorded in scripture: God wants us to argue as well. But we need to be careful here. There’s a way to argue with God that’s wicked, and there’s a way to argue that glorifies God. When we bring accusation and bitterness against God, that’s wicked. When we bitterly say to God, “I don’t deserve this!”, God doesn’t listen. But when we argue the glory of God, like David did, God is pleased.

David’s argument goes like this: God, if I die, I won’t be able to praise you and tell of your faithfulness. If you don’t answer my prayer, I won’t be able to praise you. So for your own glory, please answer my prayer. We should pray like David.

• “Lord, if you don’t save my daughter, she won’t live a life for your glory. Please save her for your glory!”

• “Father, if you don’t give me patience with my children I’ll sin against them in anger. Please help me glorify you by being patient.”

• “Lord, if you don’t give me courage to share the gospel I’ll never speak up. For your glory, give me courage.”

My good friend Ian was in a car accident over a year ago. He’s still is in a wheelchair and can’t yet speak. But I was filled with faith when I prayed for Ian. I prayed, “Lord, if you don’t heal Ian, he can’t sing and speak your praises. For your glory, please heal Ian.”

Do you argue with God when you pray? Do you pray that God would answer your prayers for his glory? Let’s be like David. Let’s argue with God for his glory.