For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
Be angry and do not sin; Ephesians 4:26a (ESV)
It had hit me. I woke up out of my sleep and realized, I’m angry towards God. I had never felt this emotion before. And honestly, for so long, I wasn’t aware that this was my feeling towards Him. I had continued my service in ministry, continued to thank Him for being God in my life, I even praised Him corporately and privately. However, that didn’t change the fact that I was angry with Him. But I was now at the first step, admitting it.
How did I get here, I questioned? What got me to the point where I was angry and wasn’t even aware of it? I had to go back and evaluate some things in the past.
The conclusion: I had not been addressing issues, that were dear to my heart, and how they made me feel.
This can happen a couple of ways. If we are not careful, Christians, working in ministry, can be so focused on the ministry, while totally disregarding what’s going on in their own personal lives. Additionally, sometimes, we just choose not to address our feelings. I have been guilty of both of these examples.
The first step to recovering from anger towards God is to simply recognize it and admit it. Be willing to address your feelings, they are valid. I have heard a number of times that as Christians, we aren’t supposed to operate in our feelings. And this is true, our feelings, as humans, change so often that it is not wise to make decisions based solely on our feelings. However, it is very important that we address our feelings and how something makes us feel, in a healthy way. This is essential to a healthy emotional and spiritual life.
Have you ever experiences anger towards God? This is a perfectly normal emotion. What steps did you take in recovering?
Tomorrow we will discuss part two of recovering from anger towards God.
Prayer: Father, thank You so much for this revelation. So many times I just let my feelings pass not really addressing them. Thank You for reminding me of the validity of my feelings and how it is important that I address them in a healthy way. As I continue this walk with You, help me to identify how I am feeling so I can in return address my feelings. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Lisa says
Quick testimony: I moved to Oklahoma at God’s direction. Found a place to live, moved in – at His direction. I applied for so many jobs: office work, retail, no one called me back. I asked God, well where do you want me to work? He told me you’re going to make your own work. Okay cool. An edit job or two came in. Small ghost writing jobs came in. They covered food and gas and incidentals. Then I had an insurance bill come due. I had like fifty cents in my account. I had just gotten the water and sewage bill in the mail and was anticipating the coming electric bills and the next month’s rent. I was frustrated and angry! I prayed to God saying, Where are you? I feel like You brought me out here and abandoned me. I know You haven’t but that’s how I feel. I don’t have work. My clients are gone with the wind, and no one is really buying books. You did this. And I need You to be You!”
No sooner than I had said these words, one of my good girlfriends text me and asked how was I and asked me if I needed anything. I told her I am here, healthy, but I am struggling. She and her sister sent me $200. At the same time her text came in, a notification popped up. My aunt bought 20 books for her church study group.
I could do NOTHING BUT PRAISE HIM. I said all that to say, our anger and frustration sometimes comes from disappointment or feeling like He has forgotten about us. But He hasn’t. I agree that you can admit your feelings of anger and frustration to God. Without punishment. He knows who we are, so it doesn’t make sense to hide it! I didn’t always understand that or do that, though. In my immaturity, I would just turn away and try to do it my way.
I truly believe that’s a major turning point in realizing the relationship with Jesus is real. Staying close and fighting it out with Him! (Hmmm. I might have just given myself future husband advice.) I didn’t mean to write a blog post in your blog post but what you wrote inspired me to share that. So blame the Holy Spirit that made you post that. Okay bye. ??
Tiffani says
OMG! Just preach to me why don’t you! Thank you for the advice from my future husband too, hahaha. Man, He is so good. This is so true, we have GOT to be real, that’s when true breakthrough occurs. Thanks so much for sharing this with me!
trenara says
Great read and so true. Thank you so much for sharing!
Latoya | Life and a Budget says
Yes, I’ve been angry with God before and if we’re being honest, I can admit that I have some issues that I need to work on right now. I’ve actually been avoiding them. I’m angry, we all hear about how could we be angry with God because He’s good – however, no one addresses the reality that we’re imperfect human beings and our feelings are valid – even to Him. I guess you’re right, the first step is admitting it and working from there.
LaShon Renee says
The prophet Habakkuk expressed anger with his words at Habakkuk 1:2 “How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help, but you do not hear? How long must I ask for help from violence, but you do not intervene?” so it’s a normal human feeling. Through prayer and continued bible reading we can find the answers to resolve our feelings.
Danika says
Omgoodness! My close friend and I were just discussing this topic. She told me that she had gone through a period of her life angry at God, but on the surface she appeared happy. Long story short, she’s quitting her job and joining the seminary early next year. Look at God!
Tomiko says
Girl you must be in my home. I don’t know if I’m angry at God, my husband, my step kids or myself for waiting so long to do something for me. I struggle with forgiveness so it’s a daily battle
Tomiko recently posted…Stop Wasting Time and Make Eggnog
Kim says
As a PK, it’s important to pay attention to your feelings and needs as well. You can’t give, give, give to others while neglecting yourself and your family’s needs. I’m glad my father learned this with his grandkids. It was too late for my sisters and I but we see that he’s learned better and is doing better by his grandchildren.
Joanna says
This is so true. I remember being so mad and I definitely made it known. A few days later I heard a word and I had to repent because I knew I was in my feelings a lot. This has happened a few times this year and every time, I always get an answer. The situations didn’t all the way change, but it helped me know that He was thinking about me and I wasn’t going through it all in vain.
Tiffany H. says
I don’t think i have been angry with him but i def question him about things that are currently going in my life, but I’m still trying to move forward by praying and reading my bible. Pray for my continued strength. Glad you are able to recognize your feelings and deal with them.
Ty says
I don’t think that I have ever been angry with God but I have questioned him on several occasions. It is never easy trying to understand the rationale behind things that happen in our lives but I guess it is not for us to understand.
Ty recently posted…20 Things To Do When You’re Single For The Holidays
Joyce Brewer says
Thank you for saying what many Christians fail to acknowledge, but need to.
This series is needed.
Joyce Brewer recently posted…I Had Best and Worst of My Life at the Same Time #DriFitDiaries #AD