I’m Disappointed with God

Series: I’m Disappointed

I’m Disappointed with God

Jonah 4:1-11

I. Key Verse: Jonah 4:4, But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

II. Fundamental Principles

God is not the source of evil, calamity or tragedy. Gen. 1:31

When things go wrong, the human heart always seeks someone or something to blame. Gen. 3:8-13

When in pain, the heart seeks to self-medicate to ease the pain. 1John 2:15-17

III. God’s way of dealing with pain is through Lament

Lament is a heartfelt cry of anguish to God, an expression of grief or pain, an unburdening of the soul that leads to surrender and trust in the will of the heavenly Father.

IV. It’s not enough to do the right thing. Your heart must also be in it. v.4

V. God understood why Jonah was bitter against the Assyrians. But God wanted Jonah to see what his pain had done to him. v.10

VI. Meditation Exercise

Write down the things and people you are disappointed with and ask yourself the question Why? Ask God to reveal to you what is truly bothering your heart. Reflect.

VII. Growth Group Questions

Read Jonah 4:1-11

Observation:

1. Why was Jonah angry with God? vs. 1-3

2. How did Jonah respond to the disappointments of his life? vs. 3, 8-9

3. How did God reveal to Jonah what was troubling his heart? vs. 5-8

Application:

4. Why do you think God allows us to experience pain?

5. How do you handle the stressful moments in your life? How do you relieve the pain?

6. How have your painful and disappointing experiences shaped who you are today?

7. What are the things you can be thankful to God for, the good things He has brought about because of the hardships you have experienced?