Messiness in Our Faith Life ~ Mike Tostrud

Staff, March 12, 2021

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” ~Matthew 6:5-15

Messiness in faith feels like a trap.  It certainly doesn’t feel right to acknowledge that there is messiness in our faith life. With the messiness everywhere else in life, this is supposed to be our safe harbor! But, if we are being honest, this is a reality we all face. There are times we may question where God is, whether God is hearing us, or at times if we have alienated ourselves from God. We often come to God for love, support, and insight to our most desperate concerns. God is supposed to be our best and most loving relationship.  But, when we don’t feel his presence, or we don’t receive a response to a dire question, we can be left crippled. I’ve been here, more often than I care to admit, but I know many others have too.  
So, how do we resolve the challenge? Faith; vulnerability; trust; patience; hope. Each of these either independently or together, likely form the answer. The challenges will always be present but in these moments we need to lean on each of these things. We need to lean on others as well. I often find myself looking for answers down so many avenues when, in fact, I know the answer is found in God and his presence, in his timing. But I have also come to know, he wants our messiness; he wants to hear those desperate pleas; he wants our anger, frustration, confusion, and awkwardness. We needn’t hide. He wants us vulnerable and transparent. Not putting on a face to him and the world trying to demonstrate that everything is okay. 

Father, our lives are messy and at times this makes our relationship with you messy. We pray for your patience, grace, and understanding as we struggle through these moments. Regardless of how things evolve, always lead us back to you. Help each of us lean on your spirit and the teachings of your son. And help us understand that you want us vulnerable, not putting on a face of strength when we are weak, or a façade of having it together when we are secretly falling apart. We pray this for ourselves and all of your people. Amen.