The book of Jonah ends in the most unexpected way. It ends with a grown man pouting over a dead plant.

Here’s what happened. Jonah went outside the city, sat down, and sulked because God had forgiven Nineveh. God made a leafy plant grow up to shade him from the sun, and Jonah loved that plant. Then the plant withered, and Jonah got so upset about it that he said he’d rather not be around anymore.

Then God asked him a question: “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” God wasn’t yelling. He was doing what a good parent does when a kid is melting down over something small. He was asking a question that helped Jonah see himself clearly.

And here’s the best part. God stayed with Jonah through his entire story, no matter what. When Jonah obeyed, when he ran, when he complained, and even when he sat in the dirt pouting about a plant. God was there. God doesn’t only show up for your good days. Wherever you are today, God is right there. Even in the sulking corner.

Think About It: When was the last time you were really upset about something that turned out to be pretty small? What helped you snap out of it? Now think about this: God stayed right with Jonah through his worst mood. How does it feel to know God doesn’t walk away when you’re grumpy?