What To Do When You Are Angry At God
91What are you supposed to do when you are angry at God? Wait, what? You can't get angry at God - He knows all, sees all, and He's God - whatever He says goes, right? Besides, if you get angry at God He'll strike you dead with a lightening bolt. Sounds like your parents, right? Even if you grew up in an abusive home like I did, there's an unwritten rule that you can't strike back at your parents. I'm 51 years old, and to this day I've never spoken back to my father, never cursed in his presence, never blamed him for anything, despite all the things he did to me. He's my father, and that kind of thing just isn't done. The biggest problem I know I have, we all do, is that when it comes understanding the fatherhood of God we give God the same characteristics that our earthly father has. In my case, I always thought of God as the authority figure; He won't speak to me as long as I don't do anything wrong, He will leave me alone as long as I don't tick Him off, and I absolutely in no uncertain terms ever speak back to him. That's not who God is, and it took me more than 20 years to understand that.
So let's get back to the question. What do you do when you are angry at God? First, understand that anger results from one of two causes, fear or insult. We get angry when we are afraid, and angry when we feel insulted. All kinds of things are clicking into place in your brain, aren't they? So what do you do? This is what I suggest: ROAR! Let it out! Yell, scream, throw a hissy fit like a two year old, whatever it takes to get it out of you. Open both barrels and let Him have it. Do you really think it is going to affect God? The answer is no, it won't change His love for you, it won't change His attitude toward you, and it won't change the fact that He will bless you every day of your life if you let Him. But if you aren't honest about it with Him, that will affect your relationship - you have to be you, fully you, with Him in everything, and that means being fully you when you are angry. Believe it or not, that's exactly what He wants! God is a perfect gentleman, He doesn't intrude into any part of our lives that we hold back from Him. But He wants us to know that we can come to Him for everything and that we do not have to be afraid to be who we are, even in our worst moments. Second, read through the Psalms and you will start to understand that God absolutely wants us to come to Him no matter what we are thinking or feeling. The Psalms are full of every possible human emotion. I think that's why God wanted them written, so that we would understand that He wants all of us, that He is always open to us no matter what we think or feel, and ESPECIALLY when we are angry and hurt and lonely and confused.
You kinda knew this was leading up to something, right? Yeah, I've been angry lately. Life is not working out the way I want it to - and I'm not a needy guy. I just want to be able to work, take care of my family, and be home every night with them. Right now I get 2 out of 3. I had a career go sour on me a few years ago, and I've been driving a truck over the road for the last 5 years to make a living. But I am soooo tired of being away from home. I am so tired of not being able to be in ministry taking care of people, which is the great joy of my life. I am so tired of living out of a truck. So, I took 7 weeks off to try and change it. I begged God for an opening, I pounded doors, I searched the internet, I wrote until my fingers cramped - nothing. Not a word from God, not an open door, not an offer of help - nothing. So I roared at God. Went out into the woods, threw out my arms and roared at the top of my lungs until I got it all out. You know what, still nothing - although I think I can hear Him chuckling in the heavens (Look, he's at it again. Just wait it out, he'll be ok) - that's kinda the way it works between us with my temper. I let it all out. I screamed and I cried and I begged; I let everything inside of me go.
Know what? Nothing happened. I'm still here, and He and I are still good. I didn't get the answer I wanted. So, I'm back over the road. Right now I've been gone 6 days, I'm 2000 miles away from home, and I'm sitting here talking to you. Well, that's not all true. I pushed the limit on our finances, and we are going to be behind until the spring. But God has sent little blessings along the way. Two days ago a little money came our way as a thank you for some things we did for someone over the summer - unexpectedly, out of the blue the person came by the house and gave my wife a thank you gift. It wasn't much, but it is just enough to make sure the family is well taken care of until I start getting paid again. Yesterday was the best day. In the morning I stopped in a rest area to stretch my legs - I usually stop the truck every 3 or 4 hours to walk around so I can stay healthy and alert. There was an old boy there struggling with a little trailer. I asked him if he needed some help, and he said he had put a new bearing in the wheel but it wasn't rolling right. I took a look, saw that it just wasn't seated right, and fixed it for him. Only took me ten minutes, and I was glad I could help. I prayed a quick blessing on him, and I left - I know I'll never see him again, but that moment was precious, because I got to be the one God used to bless him. Couple hours later my cell phone rang, and a good friend called to say he had paid my cellphone bill - it was due to be turned off Friday because I couldn't pay it. That's HUGE, because its the only contact I have with my family.
You see, my circumstances haven't changed, and yet they have. We are still doing the poor man's dance - pay a little here and there just to keep things going until the times get better, and they will slowly but surely. I'm still over the road and away from home. But I let my anger out, and I got back to the job of living. God's still loving me, still blessing me, still the Great Love of my life. As long as I am breathing I can praise Him for His love, even when I'm angry, even when I don't understand why it has to be this way, even when I don't want to do what He's telling me to do. And that is a very, very good thing. My whole heart laid open to Him - that's all He wants, and that's all I want to give. As long as I can keep it that way, I know that it will be well in my soul. So think about it - let it all out with Him, give him both barrels and clear the air - you'll breathe easier, life will be sweeter, God's blessings and love will be more apparent in your life, and even if circumstances don't change you'll be ok - you'll be better than ok, you'll have a closer relationship with Him, and that will make all the difference in the world.
I'm going to start a new, on-going hub called the Great Adventure. I figure since God gave me this outlet to write and you wonderful friends, we can share the journey together. I'll keep you posted on where I am and what God is doing in my life. We live in a beautiful country, and one of the blessings is that I get to see it, so I'll throw in a few pictures along the way. My internet access is spotty, I can only get on-line when I can find free wifi, but I'll drop a new hub in every chance I get. I'm excited to find out what God is going to do - if this is where He wants me, there's a good reason for it, and it's time to get about the business of finding out what it is. Here's hoping you take the journey with me. Because of Him - Dave.
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Whatever is given away comes back tenfold - that works for me. Thanks brother, always good to hear from you.
Timely hub for me Dave. I'm currently exactly where you're at. Almost broke, not making ends meet, but given it to God. Of course, challenge is in leaving it there.
Not so much anger that throws me, but confusion and doubt. So easy to allow our ignorance of the future to cause insecurity and anguish. So easy to respond to discomforting prospects with anxious flurries of activity - just in case God fails.
I believe God is teaching my wife and I some lessons in genuine trust. When you don't know when your next pay cheques coming, when you don't know how your going to pay the bills, when the banks are knocking regarding your debts and you could lose your home - these are the classical faith tests. Fear, anger and doubt are the enemies tools against us during this period. To 'let it all out' at the feet of God is our most precious response. No use trying to hide our heart from God anyway. Keep loving and trusting. I'll pray for you.
Great hub Dave. I definitely know how it feels to hafta let all the anger out! My family has been through the wringer as far as health goes over the last couple of years...and even though I know I'm not supposed to question Him, I found myself doing it more than once. Rated up! You and the family will be in my prayers :)
parrster you will be in my prayers. I have learned that when the wife and kids are happy and healthy, I really don't need anything else. Money? Comes and goes,I'm pretty sure Paul said the same thing - its easy to be happy when things are good, but when things are hard the joy of the Lord is a good lesson to learn - just wish I didn't have to keep learning it :)
rkhyclak - I'll keep your family in my prayers. I have a lot of time to think and pray as I'm driving down the road, happy to add you to the list.
God is big enough and more than wise enough to understand your pain. Jesus, your defender and savior, has even felt your pain. Both of them love you beyond measure.
Remember Job? If you are faithful to God during tough times, you will be much better off when He brings you through and out the other side!
Good job on this Dave! Keep the faith! God will never leave you or forsake you. He knows what you are going through!
Hey! You talking about me? You can be. I certainly can dredge up anger and I will only use my passion for God. I do get angry. I'm cursed. I take it for a bit and God will allow me to be angry. I say God does because this is His life. No - I won't go by the letter of any human's letter. The world is full of witch-craft to make us all angry at one another. This is a spiritual war and "coincidences" don't set well with me. In a recent I describe just a bit some manipulations that can occur.
Sure- I get angry. I will let God tell me what to say. I will let her rip. I have no goals of my own. For some reason God wants me to be me.
I can only apologize so far. I react to "conditions or events" more than people. I react more to history.
I have been angry at God. I will never understand how my mother willed herself to death in a nursing home and I had NO facilities to care for her.
Yes. I have cried and screamed at God for what I saw as abandonment.
Maybe I have gone in the directions I have to firmly set convictions. And- these convictions are set.
I do not believe I am to be "comfortable and happy". I believe I am to serve the Lord and preach the Golden Rule only.
We have millions of other teachings that are available for those choosing other verses and teachings.
I see that the Golden Rule is not taken seriously and that law is THE law.
I will appear or be made to appear to have lost that Golden Rule that I dearly want to uphold - but I have NO desires for myself.
Now I look at my words and I'm a bit waffling in that I just bought new components for my bike. But hey- we do have to brush our own teeth.
God bless you Dave. I have been angry. Will be again. God will have to work that out. I'm just a tool. God bless!
Wow. You do touch the folks, don't you!!? :-))
God bless you Dave. Great hub!!!!
Hi Dave, have you ever thought about writing a book? I think you’re a great writer. I believe everyone has something they were born to do! Mine is to build things in construction. Never give up Dave! Dream again, as Tommy Barentt would say.
Ty
Hi Dave... wonderful hub... we love you Brother and what a blessing knowing that God loves us all as He does. Been where you have been, put on many miles like you and yes the road is a lonely place but there are many lonely people waiting for you to come along and brighten their day with a helping hand the blessing of a prayer.
Great idea writing on the road, what an experience it will be for us all. I pray a blessing over you Brother, a common blessing but a blessing which has much meaning and I feel is one just for you. Next time you are stopped take a look at Number 6:24.
Blessings and Hugs
Dave, you really touched me with this, for this is also my view of God. You’ve pulled my tears, for so often I think perhaps I am too disrespectful when I argue with Him. There was a time I did not even talk to him for years. I just said: “Now, okay, God, if you don’t care about me, if you don’t want to change the man who makes my life on earth a living hell, then I’m done with you. Goodbuy!”
LOL! Can’t help laughing about this now. I was a spoiled-by-God brat. He allowed me to do it my way, and He never left me. When I almost drown in depression, He was right there to lift me out with his ‘instruments’. Proving to me that He never changes, that He is always just a thought away from whoever believes in Him and his power.
Dave, I regard you as a very effective and sufficient instrument in His hands. Just go on being you. He will open doors for you that will bring you where HE wants you to be. Even if it is on a rubbish heap with a bunch of hobo’s. Enjoy His blessings!
Dear Dave,
Great Hub! It is good to hear that I am not the only looney who unloads honestly to the Father. And when my fit subsides I feel Him chuckle at me and start to refill the space all that nasty was occupying.
Thanks for this hub, Dave...I needed to hear it today.
I've never been angry at God. We all face decisions we don't want to make; we all go through the ups and downs of life, and we all face both the good and the bad in our own individual ways.
God didn't give me an abusive husband. I chose to marry the wrong man. God didn't tell me to stay in a place I shouldn't have been....... I always knew that I shouldn't have been there, and He is not responsible for how far I allowed myself to be pushed before I got out.
God didn't take my father away from me. My father didn't take care of himself, and eventually the time came when God decided to take him home rather than to stay here and suffer just a little bit more. I would have selfishly kept him here; I could never be mad at God for doing the right thing.
I look around my house, and all of the things that need to be done, and I don't care. It's just a house. My home is rich in love, smiles, and laughter; my children are beautiful.......... God's gifts are infinite, and I cherish them all. He's given me roadblocks and wrong turns, but He's also given everyone of us a roadmap to follow. If we get lost, all we need to do is check into the the nearest church or hotel, look in the pew in front of us, or simply open the night stand drawer.......... then get back on the road. I think you've found the right one.......... stay on it! Kaie
I agree with Kaie Arwen , except I have grown to learn to be Thankful in all situations through the trials in Life.
Because some of us are concieved and raised in situations that create anger in children ie.. physical abuse, sexual abuse, and an array of other heart breaking situations, anger is a problem that is spiritual. And confessing yourself truthfully to the Lord in any emotion is still a plea for help.
And God Loves Us! And He sees right through us.
Just getting my boots on to come on your journey with you. Fantastic hub. Thank you
Thank you so much for this Hub. I at a place where I'm angry with God, but I was scared to even admit it to myself. Now I know what to do and I'm sure I will have more peace.
Thanks Dave, for your awesome testimony. I find that testimony inspires each other to keep on trying and it reminds us that God is all ever present in our lives and we are not alone when no one person can be of any help. Thanks for encouragement. I get frustrated that time is slipping away, and I work Work work without any enjoyment in life, but now I have been restored because God opened up my eyes to see how angry I was at life, now I am restored again. Like The Internet, sometimes you have to Reboot! Peace, my Brother, I wish peace and safety to you along the way! CM
I will pray that you find the peace that you are seeking.
Ginger Ka
Dave maybe it is because I knew Jesus from such a young age but I have never been mad at God, sure maybe sometimes I say this just doesn't seem fair God, I have given my whole life taking care of others and 3 years watching hospitals and nursing homes kill my mom, many here know what I went through and I got mad a lot at people but never at God. God says where there are two in My name there I will be also. I hope you have a second to be with you in your times down, it can make all the difference. I am no saint, I am a sinner and yes if you get mad at God you would have to admit it to Him. I never felt better in my life than when i opened my whole life to God and admitted all my guilt and even told on the devil sometimes saying God now you know I don't think like that and He taught me through the word to make satan get behind me and for so many years I have been free even as a sinner, throwing out what was satans plan not mine or words. He just can't get you if you turn to God as if He were beside you which in a third way He is. Life is tough and going to get tougher and He is our only hope, but He is a powerful God, we couldn't have anyone better on our side. Fellowship is so important though and you have that here but I hope you have it personally also. I pray God give you that second one if you don't yet have one for fellowship. I think you have a great idea and I look forward to what God has to say through you. Polly
I know that every person's experience with God is different. I know that one very common cause of unbelief is anger at God. I just hope to help someone find an opportunity to deal with the anger in a way that draws them closer to God instead of keeping them apart from His love. It's refreshing to hear your experience, for there is much to be learned from it.
Great hub, its no use getting angry with God, because in the long run you will still return to him, so why waste valuable time being angry. All the times I should have been angry, God compensated me with something better than I hoped for. He always knows what is good for us we just need to be patient and trust him just like a baby will trust you with his life.
Thank you so much for this. I travel a lot and it blesses me to know there are some good truckers out there. I am asking you to pray for my wife and I both. my wife needs the life-changing power to let go of her past and open her heart to me, instead of pushing me away or trying to control with anger. right now she is talking divorce and moving to the other side of the house. I need help in giving her space. I know God will lead you as to his will. what makes it all interesting is that my wife is 47 and i am 25. obvious understanding just came to you.
Anchormen the one thing I have the most time to do is pray, I pray for people all day long driving down the road - know that I will absolutely keep you in my prayers; also, send me a msg and I'll reply back w/my email address so we can talk.
Dave,
Great blog! I can concur with everything you speak about and more. I am a retired Army Reserve Chaplain and unemployed Pastor who has been separated from my wife and family since Dec 18, 2010. As a Christian husband, father, and man....I have lost my family, home, vehicle, values and have become financially ruined. I have lost my ministry and dignity. I almost lost my hope if God had not picked me up from the pit. I am pending a divorce from a marriage of almost 14 years. My wife filed on Jan 3, 2011 and is scheduled to be concluded on 2 June 2011. We have two beautiful children 10 and 11. I don't want the divorce and have begged God to step in and have mercy on my prayers and family. I have taken full responsibility for the cause, even though my spouse has played a part in the cause leading up to the crisis. My 77 year old Father died of cancer last week, after finding out he had multiple tumors throughout his body on Dec 20, 2010. I am in out-patient counseling at the Veterans Administration Hospital for PTSD "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" from a Combat Trauma and several death and dying experiences I had to deal with while serving on multiple mobilizations after 9/11. This is the only bright spot I can explain away to our Sovereign God. The counseling has helped restore and transform my life with God's providence involved. But with all the counseling that I am still involved in, and all the praying, my wife is still heading toward a divorce without giving me an opportunity to show her what God is truly doing in my life. How He has changed me, transformed my soul and restored my life. How he continues to repair my heart and is walking with me on my journey to wholeness. I can do nothing but praise Him for His intervention in saving me and walking with me in all of this. I have slept on an air mattress since Dec 19, 2010 on my brothers floor. I have been very upset lately with God. Although I praise Him, I let Him have it tonight. I believe it's not that difficult to share with Him your desires. And I believe it's O.K. to open up. I don't believe it's O.K. to stay angry. That would be sin. But God can take our outburst. He knows our feelings. He knows we are hurting. I just pray He steps in and saves my situation along with millions of others in the same dilemma. My trust is in Him. In Him, I take Refuge. In Him, I know whom my Rock and Salvation is. I trust in God's Holy Spirit to guide me through all of this and in Jesus Christ my Savior to forgive me of my sins, but I let God have it tonight. I feel I am at my breaking point. I know God will bring me through, I am praying for my miracle that is in His will. Keep up the good work Dave. God Bless.
Respectfully
In Christ+
Kevin
My heart and my prayers are with you brother. If you want to talk, send me a message to mdntryder@yahoo.com and we'll connect.
amazing thread, Thank you for sharing :)
ever tried swearing at god. renouncing god. desecrating him. accusing him of evil and lying? deliberately provoking him. I have. for around 6 years now. That's what my anger at god demands of me. I live in permanent anguish. God wants to hear? god doesn't care and I am living proof.
I feel like a spiritual sczitzophrenic. I have faith that when I die God will save my soul because of my faith in Jesus. However, I cannot remember ONE specific prayer that I've prayed over the 36 years of my life that has ever been answered. Not one. right now, my wife is having a severe reaction to some prescribed morphine given to her for pain; which didn;t work. She's been suffering for going on 5 days with what I believe is some sort of sinus infection that has not been cured with antibiotics. She's been suffering for more than 10 years with MG, a chronic auto immune disorder that makes her weak.
Right now, she's been coughing and wretching for going on 4 hours straight, non stop. We've prayed, I've read scripture and we believe(d) that God would not lie. That God would honor His word because of His "loving kindness". Because He said He would do it. Because He's the "God who heals" by "his stripes we ARE healed, There's healing in his wings", because those who trusrt in the Lord shall mount uo in wings..." You get the picture.
It is 10 min 'till 2am and my wife is coughing and suffering like I've never seen.
I've heard it said that God will let you get to such a place just so we can see how much of a mess He's able to rescue us from. I say that's B.S. To me, that makes God sadistic and cruel. What is the point of all the examples of Jesus healing and the disciples and the apostles if we are just supposed to suffer just so we can see that He can? What's the point in that?
The better thing would be to hear teh cry of those who called out to Him and heal them.
Jesus asked "...but when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Well, when people's prayers are met with silence how will they have reason to be faithful? Faith i sthe SUBSTANCE of theings hoped for and evidence of things not seen. I have hoped, prayed for, rebuked, read scripture and spoke life over ths infection for four days now.
My whole Church has prayed for her.And shes even worse now than when she went in.
I guess this is the part where God is going to reveal Hid Glory?
Well, I think the drug is about to run out of her system, she'll (my wife) will finally get to have some sleep that she's been missing. And it won't be because God healed her. It'll be because the drug ran out. Unless God decides to prolong her suffering.
There's so much I could say right now. I'm just so mad at this whole situation.
I cannot think of ONE single prayer I've EVER specifically prayed for that was answered. Not one.
Yes, there are good things in my life that I don't take for granted: food, clothing, shelter (thank God)but even unrepentant death row inmates get these.
I would never tell anyone not to believe. But I surely am struggling with the validity of His Word his willingness to do it or ability to perform.
My first wife suffered from breast cancer for 4 years until it finally took her life. While we were going through our ordeal I was a chaplain for a local hospice, ministering to terminally ill patients. I can only say what I said to my own situation, and to the situations of those I ministered to:
To the thousand questions why - I don't know.
There is only to trust the loving of His heart - so learned Job, so learned I, so learn we all.
It won't mean much to you, but I will keep your wife in my prayers.
50 Caliber Level 8 Commenter 15 months ago
Dave, bro' I know it's no financial help but I voted this message up, because you and I both have a Bro' in need of it, even if it was for you, you have just given it away. God Bless, 50