Psalm 89:46 How long, LORD? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?
Exasperating questions intensify confusion rather than bringing relief or solutions. Exasperation is a state of intense annoyance, frustration, or anger after a period of unanswered prayers or unresolved problems. It is when someone feels that they are at the end of the rope with no hope. Exasperation only irritates and infuriates but does not yield the desired results.
Exasperation is a feeling where someone thinks that they have exhausted all their strength and strategies. It is a dead-end and a point of no return.
Elijah was exhausted after the great revival he had on Mt Carmel. He was physically fatigued and spiritually drained. Hence the word from the wicked Queen Jezebel petrified him. He ran for his life and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4b). Exasperation blinded his spiritual eyes to the presence of the Lord. He could not see the God who answered him with fire and flood on the same day. But within 24 hours Elijah turned from an evangelist to an antagonist. He was terrified about the incantation of the witch Jezebel.
At the pinnacle of a great victory the only protection that we have against the attack of exasperation is praise. Praise keeps us humble to remain safe within the radar of God’s presence. When we climb up there is always a downhill and a valley. Only if we remain in the mode of praise and thanksgiving will we travel through the valley of darkness joyfully. As for Elijah, an entitlement mentality led him into discouragement. He thought that the great revival on Mt. Carmel will also catch fire in the palace, but the vicious malicious queen sent a death-threat back to him. The disappointment made him pray exasperating prayers.
Exasperating Questions:
- Entitlement: Entitlement mentality that we are good enough for God to bless us will lead to exasperating questions in a disappointment or diagnosis.
- Exasperation: Exasperating prayers drain our spiritual energy. God never leaves us – it is we who abandon Him.
- Earnest: God answers earnest prayers.
“Exasperating questions/prayers do not bring solutions.”
Prayer: Jehovah God, Forgive me for my entitlement mentality, impatience and exasperations. Help me to remain patient for Your time. Amen.
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