But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?” Jonah 4:1-4
Find a quiet space to read and reflect on God’s Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to empty your mind of all distractions and competing thoughts. After a few deep breaths in and out, prepare to read the passage out loud. As you read, notice any word or phrase that seems to be highlighted in your mind. Don’t overthink this; just observe what surfaces for you.
As you read the passage a second time, imagine the scene in your mind. Take on the perspective of either Jonah or God. What does this part of the story feel like? Use your five senses to picture it in specific detail.
As you read the passage a final time, recall the word or phrase that stuck out to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight as to why this was highlighted to you. Ask him to show you what action or attitude you could take today based on the impression you had from this passage. Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s timeless Word which teaches us, reproves us and sharpens us.
By Ellen Rosenberger