I heard three people this week who didn’t know what to do in their situation, but they hadn’t asked Jesus because they were afraid of what he might tell them.

I think we can all relate. I also think it’s among the most honest statements we can make, more honest than, “God’s not saying anything to me”, “I can’t hear Him” or “I don’t know”.

God is kind. We know that.

• He has shown kindness – Acts 14:17
• the riches of his kindness – Romans 2:4
• Consider therefore the kindness… of God – Romans 11:22
• But the fruit of the Spirit is… kindness – Galatians 5:22
• expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 2:7
• the kindness and love of God our Savior – Titus 3:4

But I haven’t just read about it, I know it. I’ve felt it. Over and over. So have you.

There are so many moments when he surprises me with joy welling up inside. He interrupts my intensity with a joke. He forgives me so effortlessly. He notices things I like and gives them to me. He tells me he’s proud of me. He shares his feelings with me. He notices my needs and comes to help. He’s so available to me. He touches me and refreshes my soul. He looks at me with love and melts me. He gives me spiritual experiences I don’t deserve or earn. He takes care of my worries. He loves my family. He’s so accommodating, not judging, He walks with me wherever I go, always up for being together. He likes me. He goes above and beyond to prove his intimate care for me. He sets things up for me to succeed. He barely notices my failures. He’s so encouraging, almost ridiculous, somehow thinks anything is possible for me. When I think of the kindest people I know, they are a reflection of Jesus.

You could write your own list of experiences. The point is, we know he’s kind, through and through. So why are we afraid to ask him for direction?

The problem, of course, is us. We need to die. All three people this week are also dying well. Let’s call it the process of surrendering, giving up, letting go. They’re preparing their hearts to hear from the Holy Spirit by cleaning themselves out and putting their trust in God before he speaks.

• God, if you tell me to do the very thing I don’t want to do, I’ll do it
• God, if you tell me to do nothing and keep waiting, I’ll do nothing
• God, if you tell me something and I do it and it hurts, that’s OK
• God, if you tell me you’re not going to answer my prayer, that’s OK
• God, if you tell me I need to repent, I’ll repent, or forgive, I’ll forgive
• God, if you tell me I have to stop doing something I love, I’ll stop
• God, if you tell me something people will not like, I’m still in
• God, if you tell me to do something that doesn’t make sense, I’ll do it
• God….

God is kinder than I am. Kinder to me. Kinder to the people I love. Letting go of all my thoughts about what to do in a situation is a declaration that God is Kind.