“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying,
‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’
Does the pot exclaim,
‘How clumsy can you be?”
– Isaiah 45:9
It isn’t fruitful to argue with God about how He’s choosing to run the universe! Ever!!! While it isn’t comfortable to think of ourselves as clay pots, in the scale and scheme of things, we are. We are finite creatures with limited knowledge, limited understanding of the universe and ourselves, and a limited lifespan. God, our Creator, has perfect, infinite knowledge of all things – past, present, and future. His perspective is an eternal one focused on what is best across all of creation and all of time.
In that sense, God is absolutely correct, if blunt, to compare us to clay pots who tend to argue with the potter who made us. We like to complain and critique God and it’s fundamentally ridiculous to contemplate. That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t care about us – He absolutely loves us! He is meticulously concerned for our wellbeing and He sent His eternal Son to die for us, redeeming us from our sin and rebellion. The point of this verse isn’t that we’re unimportant to God. The point is that we’re profoundly ignorant of the grand plan of the universe compared to the God Who knows it all!
For this reason, it’s a farcical waste of our time to spend hours, days, months, or years complaining and criticizing how God is running the universe. Yet, we often do exactly that! We decry the suffering or injustice we experience or see and forcefully offer our suggestions to “The Management”, threatening to stop talking to Him if He doesn’t take our suggestions. This offers no comfort and provides no satisfaction. It just fosters discontent, because God seldom responds to our short-sighted critique.
What is fruitful in times of frustration, sorry, and anger? Drawing near to God! Investing emotion and energy not in complaining about the management but in getting closer to our Lord. Finding wisdom, comfort, and peace in His Word. Spending unhurried time in prayer and meditation. Seeking God Himself, rather than answers from God. God is always ready to welcome those who are sincerely seeking His presence. He will draw near to those who draw near to Him. That is where we find true satisfaction and joy amidst the most difficult circumstances. #FollowJesus