Is it Wrong to be Angry with God?
Anger is a common human emotion that we all experience from time to time. However, feeling angry towards God can bring up complex spiritual questions and doubts. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about being angry with God.
The Struggle of Anger
Anger in and of itself is not inherently sinful. Even Jesus expressed anger at times, like when driving money-changers out of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Anger becomes sinful when it is selfish, hateful, unforgiving, or out of control.
It’s understandable to feel angry during painful life events or unanswered prayers. Tragedies, injustice, illness, and loss can trigger anger at God for allowing suffering. We may think God is uncaring, distant, or not in control. But the Bible cautions against letting anger rule our spirit and relationship with God.
Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Anger can grow into bitterness, resentment, or depression if not dealt with. We are told, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
The Dangers of Anger at God
Anger towards God often reveals a sense of entitlement. We act as if we deserve better from God and are justified in our frustration when He does not meet our expectations. In reality, we are finite, fallen humans while God is the infinite, perfect Creator.
Anger can arise from pride that prevents us from humbly submitting to God’s will. The Israelites grumbled angrily in the wilderness due to their stubborn pride (Exodus 15:24, 16:2). Their anger revealed distrust in God’s goodness and provision.
Beware of allowing anger to distance us from God or question His sovereign will. “Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression” (Psalm 19:13).
Better Responses Than Anger
The Bible shows righteous men and women responding to suffering, unmet desires, or perceived injustice with faith rather than anger at God:
– Trust – “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15).
– Cries for mercy – “Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 6:4).
– Acceptance – “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21).
– Reverent fear – “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).
– Resignation – “The LORD is God. Let him do what is good in his eyes” (2 Samuel 10:12).
– Bold prayers – “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray” (Psalm 5:2).
– Declaration of trust – “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, yet I will rejoice in the LORD” (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
When we humbly submit to God in faith through suffering, our trials can strengthen us spiritually and refine our character (James 1:2-4).
Prayers, Tears, and Praise Are Better Than Anger
Rather than respond in anger, godly men and women in Scripture directed their pain towards God in prayers, tears, and praise:
– David repeatedly poured out his complaints and frustrations to God in times of trouble. “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (Psalm 42:3).
– Nehemiah mourned, wept, and fasted over Jerusalem’s destruction, pleading with God to listen to his prayers for restoration (Nehemiah 1:4-11).
– Hannah wept bitterly in her travail of being barren, pouring her heart out to the Lord out of trusting dependence (1 Samuel 1:10-11, 15-18).
– Job mourned and lamented, but ultimately decided to accept whatever God allowed, saying “Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:20-22).
– When falsely imprisoned, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God at midnight instead of complaining (Acts 16:25).
– Christ Himself cried in anguish yet submitted to God’s will in His darkest hour (Luke 22:42-44).
Turning to God in Prayer, Not Anger
Prayer allows us to freely express our pain while also submitting our will to the Father. Jesus taught that we should bring all our requests and feelings to God in persistent, trusting prayer (Luke 18:1-7).
Rather than sulk in anger, we can freely share our confusion, desires, and frustration with God who hears us:
– “I am weary with moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping” (Psalm 6:6).
– “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” (Psalm 13:2).
As we pour out our hearts to God and saturate our minds in His Word, His presence calms our spirit and renews proper perspective of His sovereignty. “In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalm 62:7).
Learning Through the Example of Christ
Jesus expressed agony and grief over excruciating circumstances but never sinned in anger towards God. He shows us how to persevere through horrific injustice and suffering without being overtaken by wrath.
When facing betrayal and death, Jesus was “deeply distressed and troubled” and His soul was “overwhelmed with sorrow” (Mark 14:33-34). He begged for the cup of suffering to pass in fervent prayer. Yet He submitted to the Father’s will, saying “Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).
On the cross itself, Jesus lamented God forsaking Him but did not accuse or rebel against God (Mark 15:34). Facing intense agony both externally and spiritually, Jesus exemplified crying out to God in anguish mixed with trust.
By following Christ’s example, we too can learn to cry out to God in sincere pain, confusion, or despair while still trusting in His sovereign wisdom and love.
Let God be the Object of Your Anger
The Bible and church history also contain another form of righteous anger – anger directed at the sin and corruption that dishonors God.
Jesus expressed righteous anger at merchants defiling the temple with greed, driving them out in zeal for God’s house (John 2:13-17). The apostle John called down judgment on those who pervert the gospel, out of concern for God’s glory and Christ’s name (Galatians 1:6-9).
Early church father Martin Luther funneled his anger over church abuses into reform efforts to realign the church with Scripture. He testified, “I was burning with zeal for the Lord,” not self-interest.
Like these examples, we would do well to be angry at injustice, deception, and sin – yet focus that zeal towards pursuing holiness and defending God’s honor. Our anger should drive us closer to God.
Conclusion: Draw Near to God
Human anger apart from faith leads to sin and rebellion against our Creator. But we have a loving Savior who identifies with our pain and intercedes for us in our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Rather than turn from God in anger, we can freely yet reverently bring our raw emotions to Him. As we draw near to the Father’s throne of grace through prayer, Scripture meditation, and worship, our eyes will be opened to His grace and sovereignty over all things. By God’s power, we can exchange anger for humble trust and praise for every circumstance.