I’m Angry Lord

“Why, Lord, do you stand so far off? Why do you hide Yourself in times of trouble?" Psalms 10:1 NIV

Did you ever have a time in your life where you were just plain angry at God? I know I did. Maybe more than once, if I’m honest. Usually it’s when a situation seems hopeless – at least I can’t do anything about it. Or when things are so overwhelming, and my prayers seem to be anywhere but within Gods hearing. Praying so hard and so long for an outcome that either never seems to come or comes and it is not what you prayed for. I have experienced that. When my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I prayed and prayed. The elders of the church I was attending stood around him and anointed him with oil and the whole church prayed for God’s intervention, for a miracle. I prayed SO HARD. The miracle never came. Yes, I was very angry.

Anger is a natural human emotion. It’s feeling that God has somehow let you down. When the weight of it is almost too much to bear we turn our frustration and yes, anger towards God. The last thing I know I wanted to hear at that time was that “God has a plan.”  What possible plan could this be a part of? “God never gives us more than we can bear.”  Yes He does! He gives us way more than we can bear. That’s exactly how I felt.

Do you know God is never surprised when we get angry? If you have ever read through Psalms, David poured out his anguish and anger to God questioning His presence and His actions any number of times. Yet David’s cries were never met with condemnation from God. The reality of it is God already knows our hearts. He knows the depth of our anger or frustration. Knowing that He still wants ALL of us, even that anger and frustration. He never said we wouldn’t have trials and tribulations in this life. Sometimes though it feels like that’s all there seems to be. It seems painful seasons go on and on…….

God could easily handle this problem- why doesn’t He? God knows I have a need- where is He? Show me anyone who has not felt that way at one point in their life. The Bible is filled with people who struggled with anger and frustration with God. Job couldn’t understand why he suffered despite doing everything God asked and being faithful. Moses felt overwhelmed and burdened by leading very stubborn people. Elijah, in his darkest moment asked God to take his life. Just a few examples. What they seem to have in common is they were very honest with God about their anger and frustrations. And He met them in their pain with guidance, comfort, and His presence. These feelings didn’t make them or us for that   matter any less of a believer. They just make us human.

There are going to be times in life when things don’t go as we plan them. Probably a lot of times. The Bible never tells us to suppress our emotions. Psalm 4:4 NIV say’s “Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Anger isn’t the problem, it’s what we do with it that matters. Anger can push you further from God or it can draw you closer to Him. He doesn’t ask you to clean up your emotions before bringing them to Him. He just wants you to come as you are, however you feel. He can handle it.

 It’s easy to put human qualities to God when you are angry. We are human and deeply emotional beings. Our anger is often driven by personal hurt, unmet expectations, suffering etc. When that anger we feel is directed towards Him, we may feel that He reacts the same way we do, impulsively, resentfully or in a way that seeks to punish or retaliate. God’s nature is fundamentally different. He doesn’t get mad back at us! He is not petty or vindictive. He is loving, compassionate, kind and just. His love, wisdom and mercy go far beyond what we can fully comprehend. Next time we get angry or frustrated, let’s remember to be honest with God about those feelings and remember to ask for understanding and the ability to see things from His perspective.

PRAYER

Dear Father,

Please help me to release my anger and open my heart to Your love and understanding. Guide me through this emotional storm and show me Your presence in the midst of it. Free my heart and mind with Your peace and help me to remember Your goodness, Your faithfulness, and Your wisdom even when I can’t see the bigger picture.

In Your precious name I pray,

Amen