Let me assure you that we can be absolutely honest with God. After all, He already knows what’s going on in our minds and hearts—so why shouldn’t we express our true thoughts and feelings to Him? As the Bible says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” (Hebrews 4:13).

But listen: God also wants to be honest with us! Yes, we can dump all our negative thoughts and emotions on Him, and He won’t get angry with us for doing so. But God also wants to help us overcome them—and He will, if we’ll only seek His wisdom and strength. Sadly, some people get angry or upset with God—and are content to stay that way. But when they do, they miss the blessing and hope God has in store for them.

I often think of Job in the Old Testament. He couldn’t understand why God made him to go through so much suffering—and he bluntly let God know his feelings. But he also humbly sought God’s will, and eventually he realized there was a divine purpose behind his suffering—even if he couldn’t fully understand it. Job declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15).

Begin with a prayer of commitment to Jesus Christ. Then ask God to help you deal with your problems (perhaps with wise advice from others). The Bible says, “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).