“For the [resentful, deep-seated] anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God [that standard of behavior which He requires from us]. James 1:20 Amplified
“Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be; since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.” Thomas a Kempis
Anger at God has been experienced by many Christians. I am one. Here are some reasons for those who admit they’ve been angry at God.
Death of a loved one. Yes, I too have raised a spiritual fist at the Father, and the guilt I felt just added to the despair. I think of the many military spouses and children who have lost their loved ones and blame the government, enemies but the hard and bitter truth to face is the Father allowed it.
Addictions. The Father heals. The Father did not heal some. Why? How could You? Enter doubt. Enter questioning yourself and the Father.
Illness. As a weary caregiver, I was angry. My husband was angry and frightened until Lewy body dementia took its place. Where are You, Father?
Abandonment. This could be parents, friends, spouses, church, or a sudden company layoff.
Those who have turned their back on God may still have faith; they’re angry and can’t bring themselves to face this. It feels wrong. I know of a woman whose daughter joined a religious cult and she and her husband tried everything to bring their daughter home. The daughter is still in the cult. Which brings me to…
Many have left the church because of Christians in the body and some of their experiences are valid—1st Corinthians is full of the challenges we still have in the church today. But to stop looking for healing, a blessing, or an answer is to let another rob you of your relationship with the Father and His will for you. Healing and understanding will be difficult if not impossible.
Get Honest. The Father knows we are frustrated trying to understand things we can’t. The disciples did not understand Jesus at the Last Supper and they were warned of His approaching death. They loved Jesus with all their hearts and soul. We do too. Having someone say, “We live in an imperfect world and we’re not in Heaven yet,” offers little comfort. We know this. It’s time to embrace the promise in Romans 8:28. He will bring good out of every situation if we love Him. Being angry is not a lack of faith. Being angry does not mean you don’t love Him. It’s a part of being human and learning about relationships. Being angry without sin is the goal. Anger causes us to look and learn.
Musings
We love our children and we get angry at them. We love our spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, parents, and friends—we’ve been angry with them. We love the Father but lack of knowledge, fear, impatience, and frustration with His plans for us make us angry. Take it to Him. If you know another angry with the Father, listen, ask non-judgmental questions, and don’t quote scripture. Validate their feelings, “This must be very difficult. Your loss is tremendous.” Be an Empathetic Witness. Jesus met the many where they were stuck—a prostitute, a crippled man, a demon-possessed, a father whose child had died. “What can I do for you,” Jesus asked many times. Tell Jesus what He can do for you. Pray without doubting. Help me is an honest prayer.
Prayer
Dear Father,
Being angry feels wrong, especially when it’s anger at You. You have told us to lean on You and not our understanding. We need to accept our anger and realize life is not fair and anger will visit us at times. Jesus was angry but He did not sin. Help us to do the same.
Amen.
Prayers and Musings of a Black Sheep 