My recent devotion reminds me of a topic that I have hoped to discuss and write about: lamenting to God. Early this year I felt that God was drawing people—myself included, of course—into a deeper relationship with Him. And I believe He is still inviting people unto Him today.

Lament is a profound expression of worship. It is a proof of our relationship with God, a pathway to intimacy with God, a prayer for God to act, and participation in the pain of others. In lament, we acknowledge our helplessness, weaknesses, and brokenness, crying out for divine help or intervention, begging God to show His mercy and power.

When we cannot make sense of things that happen in our life, we still can come to God to bring our complaints and confusion to Him. As we wrestle with God, we can be honest and vulnerable with Him, knowing that He does not despise our broken spirit and contrite heart.

Sometimes, a deeper worship happens without words—just tears and a heart. Even when we have no more words to offer, we can still draw near to Him and weep on His shoulder—like a child embraced and carried in the Father’s arms. The Father invites us to a closer, deeper, and stronger relationship with Him.

I found it intriguing that the word “Israel” literally means “one who wrestles or struggles with God.” So, I believe Israel is not just a country or a nation, but it is a universal representation of humanity. We are all created in the image of God, regardless of our background and belief.

As long as we live, every one of us is called to respond to the inner voice in our heart—the voice of the One who tirelessly pursues us with love (mercy and grace). What do we hear when we witness the beauty and majesty of the creation? Or, in contrast, what do we hear when we see the pain and suffering experienced by those around us (or by us, ourselves)? When, and as long as, you hear His voice, do not harden your heart. Do not deny it. Do not deny Him. He wants you. He wants your life to be filled with Him. So, fill your life—your heart, mind, and soul—with Him. Do not let the worldly things fill you. Do not let the world corrupt you.

As we live in this fallen world, we are not supposed to struggle or wrestle alone; we need to continually draw near to God and wrestle with Him—to persevere in faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Hold on to Him and His promises.

Scripture also reveals that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13).

In other words, in this life, we struggle or wrestle with both good and evil. Everyday, we need to make a choice: whether or not we would eat from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” It was not only Adam’s and Eve’s test of faith, but it is also ours. Isn’t it ironical that Adam and Eve fell into sin in the paradise, an environment that is perfect where they should have lacked nothing? When we had an opportunity to do evil, would we still choose to do good? Our action ultimately shows whom we love on the inside.

Love is more of a decision than a feeling. Love is governed more by choice than by emotion. When we say that we love God, we show it by choosing Him again and again. Remember that we love because He has loved us first (1 John 4:19). This means that God also chooses you and me again and again. As we put our faith in Jesus, we become God’s children, and we can be sure that His love is everlasting. It never changes, never fails, never ends. True love is patient and persistent.

Do we love God only in a good and happy season, or even in/through the fire and storm in life? Do we want to take a credit for ourselves or give all glory to Him who is worthy of it all? Are we willing to lose our life and live for Him alone? Are we concerned more about God’s approval or human’s accolade? Deep down, do we want only God, or both God and the world (e.g., money)? Can we say with honesty and confidence that God is our everything and all we need?

Those are a few examples of tough questions that we need to answer (and cannot be avoided) if we want to live a life that is not only dedicated, but also accountable to Him. Sometimes God allowed us to experience darkness, so that we can truly appreciate light. Sometimes God allowed us to walk through the valleys, so that we know He is still there with us. And when we have no more to hold on to, we will finally get Him.

Sin separates us from this holy, perfect, and justice God. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are all sinners by nature and by choice: we were born in sin and inclined to sin. But it is not our choice to be born in sin. That is why, we wrestle with God—who has consigned all to disobedience, that He may show mercy to all (Romans 11:32).

Yet, God has proven His love for us, sinners, through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8). Yes, Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, so He was capable of doing that. In fact, He has the authority to give His life and to take it back again (John 10:18). But, who are we to follow His example? Are we not dust before the Creator of the universe? (Psalm 103:14). Can we give our life and take it back again?

Well, apart from Jesus we can do nothing; but, in Him, through Him, and with Him, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). If Jesus commands us to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters following His step (1 John 3:16, John 15:13), He believes that we can surely do it—in Him, through Him, and with Him—as He lives within us.

This life, that is filled with Jesus, is to be given out or laid down according to His purposes in, through, and for us. Of course, in the process, we will undergo the war between our spirit and flesh (Matthew 26:41), which is, again, a reflection of our wrestling with God. But, we need to do all these things in faith.

Let me reiterate what the Scripture says:  “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

First, we me must come to God with faith. No one can have faith without hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Second, we must believe that He is God. We worship God for who He is and what He has done. We must acknowledge all God’s [divine] attributes revealed in Jesus Christ. Third, we must believe that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. And the ultimate reward is not a thing (neither possession, property, pleasure, place, nor power), but a person—that is Christ Jesus our Lord, King, and Savior.

In conclusion, we all wrestle with God, but we are not alone and we do not wrestle in vain. All our struggles in life are meant to draw us closer to God, as they strip all other things in our lives (e.g., sins, pains, idols, treasures, pride, etc.) out of us, so we can get God in the fullness of Him. No wonder God warns His people to have no other gods before Him as the first commandment of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3), which is the first thing [of the law] in His mind. Our transformation in Christ, where we are changed more into His likeness, is a union with God—who is holy, perfect, righteous, and love. That is why, our struggles with God should be worth it after all.

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^{This article was written in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada; conceived (conceptualized) on September 11, 2025 and updated (finalized) on September 17, 2025.
The featured image was generated with AI.}