God is faithful to show me my idols

God has been showing his faithfulness in my recent study of the book of Jonah. The book is fascinating because it ends in a way you wouldn't expect. Jonah preaches to the city of Nineveh, after much reluctance, and the city repents. Instead of staying, rejoicing, and teaching them further he retreats to the outskirts of the city. Jonah hopes and believes it would be fitting for God to still bring the destruction He promised Nineveh. Despite this, God reminds Jonah that He is a loving and gracious God. God relents and does not bring destruction on Nineveh and this makes Jonah angry. Throughout the story we see God pursue Jonah. He cares for Jonah so much that He is not willing to leave Jonah's heart, with all its hatred, in its current state. He wants to get Jonah's attention so badly and cares so much that He sends a storm, fishermen, a fish, a protective plant, a worm, and then finally confronts Jonah with His own voice. 

​What I realized in the book of Jonah is that when I value anything over God, His glory, or His plan He will get my attention. When I hold my own ideas, plans, and desires above God I am making Him a liar. I am saying He doesn't know what is best for me, when in reality He is my perfectly just, loving, and all - knowing creator. It does not do me well to be angry at Him. God knows what I need and holding the different idols of my heart tighter only hurts me.