We all do it.
We project ourselves onto others. Psychologists call it “projection”-the tendency to assume that others think and act as we do, for the same reasons. When we’re overwhelmed, we imagine everyone else is too. When we’re annoyed by interruptions, we assume others would be as well. But the most dangerous projection is the one we make onto God.
When life is busy, interruptions feel like obstacles. We want to focus, to get things done, and we resent anything that breaks our momentum.
So, when we think about coming to God with our needs, our anxieties, or even our “small” problems, we reason, “God must be too busy. Surely, he has more important things to handle than my concerns.” This is projection at its worst.
I hear this a lot, “Compared to that poor kid in Haiti, my problems seem so small.”
But Scripture tells a different story. God is not like us. In Isaiah 55:8–9, God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”
He is not limited by time, energy, or patience. The writer of Hebrews urges us to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
God invites us-interruptions and all-into his presence.
Jesus himself modeled this. Crowds pressed in, children clamored for attention, needs never ceased. But He welcomed the interruptions.
He never turned away those who came to him, no matter how “small” their request.
So, when you find yourself projecting your impatience onto God, remember: your Father delights in your prayers (Proverbs 15:8).
He is never too busy, never annoyed, never uninterested.
Our projection shrinks God to our size, but the gospel invites us to see him as he truly is-infinitely patient, endlessly attentive, and always welcoming.
Let’s walk back our projections and come to God with confidence. He welcomes every interruption.
Go in Peace, Chuck
