"Angry with God"
An Article by Lauri McNair, MS
We all experience anger; that seething, raw emotional response that occurs when we feel offended, denied a thing, or wronged in some way. We may also experience anger when we feel a loss of control.
We, as human beings, take great pride in being "in control". We go to great lengths to ensure it. We delight in our self-sufficiency and self-reliance. We are task oriented and goal-directed. We schedule our days, set career goals, and make plans for our future. We have bench marks and establish time frames for goal achievement. So, when our meticulously laid plans go awry, our sense of control is lost, precipitating feelings of anger. Sometimes, anger with God. Thus prompting questions like, "Why God?" or "How could you allow this to happen?" I have also heard statements like, "God has never done anything good for me" or "God has disappointed me." These questions and statements are rooted in anger.
The reality is that we cannot ensure control, but we can place our trust in the God who controls all. His Word tells us that He is perfecting that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8) and that His thoughts towards us are of peace, not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). I have found the truth of these scriptures to be an anchor for me personally. Prior to the birth of my two daughters, I experienced two miscarriages. The horror, anguish, and pain in my heart was unbearable. I was inconsolable; beyond heartbroken and devastated. I simply could not understand why God would allow me to experience such hurt not once, but twice. The utter shock, disbelief, and unspeakable grief made it difficult to focus or concentrate on anything other than my losses. My mind swirled with unanswered questions. The mental replay of events was dizzying. I was riddled with embarrassment and shame. Barraged with insensitive verbiage of others and intrusive questions--I felt vulnerable and defensive. I was seething with anger. Angry with myself, angry with doctors, angry with people...angry with God.
How could the One who loves me and is the Creator of life let this happen? It felt mean and cruel. The anger was so intense, it was literally consuming me. Yet, I realized that the only One who could help me was the One whom I was angry with! I knew if I did not turn to Him, the anger would fester into bitterness. So, albeit begrudgingly, I honestly and transparently confessed my anger to God. He already knew the pain of my heart, but verbalizing the raw, unfiltered emotion before the Lord was a vital and crucial turning point. I released the anger and relinquished it to Him. It was not a pretty scene and it was not a one time event. Daily I went before the Lord with the overwhelming grief and anger. Each time I cried out to God, I opened my heart to receive His love, healing, and peace. He performed a healing work in my heart. I cannot pinpoint the exact day, date, or time--but God healed my heart, just as His Word promises. The pain was gone. The hurt was gone. The anger was gone. Peace and hope had hit my heart.
If you are angry with God, confess it and release the anger to Him. Anger is not an emotion you want to harbor, particularly toward God as it hinders relationship with the Father and brings detriment to your soul. Seek healing, trust that God is in control. Open your heart to receive His love, healing, and peace. He is faithful to do what He promises (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Prayer for Overcoming Anger with God
Father, I confess that I am angry. I release these feelings of anger towards you. I repent of them now. Forgive me. Put the broken pieces of my heart back together. Bind every wound. I pray for your strength now, which is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Bring serenity to my heart. Fill my heart with your love and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I thank you that by your grace, I will overcome. Thank you for your promise that these calamities will pass. (Psalm 57:1) I speak your word, that you send to heal (Psalm 107:20), over my life. I receive the truth of your promises by faith. Amen and so be it, in Jesus' name.
"...Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."
--Jeremiah 31:3
An Article by Lauri McNair, MS
We all experience anger; that seething, raw emotional response that occurs when we feel offended, denied a thing, or wronged in some way. We may also experience anger when we feel a loss of control.
We, as human beings, take great pride in being "in control". We go to great lengths to ensure it. We delight in our self-sufficiency and self-reliance. We are task oriented and goal-directed. We schedule our days, set career goals, and make plans for our future. We have bench marks and establish time frames for goal achievement. So, when our meticulously laid plans go awry, our sense of control is lost, precipitating feelings of anger. Sometimes, anger with God. Thus prompting questions like, "Why God?" or "How could you allow this to happen?" I have also heard statements like, "God has never done anything good for me" or "God has disappointed me." These questions and statements are rooted in anger.
The reality is that we cannot ensure control, but we can place our trust in the God who controls all. His Word tells us that He is perfecting that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8) and that His thoughts towards us are of peace, not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). I have found the truth of these scriptures to be an anchor for me personally. Prior to the birth of my two daughters, I experienced two miscarriages. The horror, anguish, and pain in my heart was unbearable. I was inconsolable; beyond heartbroken and devastated. I simply could not understand why God would allow me to experience such hurt not once, but twice. The utter shock, disbelief, and unspeakable grief made it difficult to focus or concentrate on anything other than my losses. My mind swirled with unanswered questions. The mental replay of events was dizzying. I was riddled with embarrassment and shame. Barraged with insensitive verbiage of others and intrusive questions--I felt vulnerable and defensive. I was seething with anger. Angry with myself, angry with doctors, angry with people...angry with God.
How could the One who loves me and is the Creator of life let this happen? It felt mean and cruel. The anger was so intense, it was literally consuming me. Yet, I realized that the only One who could help me was the One whom I was angry with! I knew if I did not turn to Him, the anger would fester into bitterness. So, albeit begrudgingly, I honestly and transparently confessed my anger to God. He already knew the pain of my heart, but verbalizing the raw, unfiltered emotion before the Lord was a vital and crucial turning point. I released the anger and relinquished it to Him. It was not a pretty scene and it was not a one time event. Daily I went before the Lord with the overwhelming grief and anger. Each time I cried out to God, I opened my heart to receive His love, healing, and peace. He performed a healing work in my heart. I cannot pinpoint the exact day, date, or time--but God healed my heart, just as His Word promises. The pain was gone. The hurt was gone. The anger was gone. Peace and hope had hit my heart.
If you are angry with God, confess it and release the anger to Him. Anger is not an emotion you want to harbor, particularly toward God as it hinders relationship with the Father and brings detriment to your soul. Seek healing, trust that God is in control. Open your heart to receive His love, healing, and peace. He is faithful to do what He promises (Deuteronomy 7:9)
Prayer for Overcoming Anger with God
Father, I confess that I am angry. I release these feelings of anger towards you. I repent of them now. Forgive me. Put the broken pieces of my heart back together. Bind every wound. I pray for your strength now, which is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Bring serenity to my heart. Fill my heart with your love and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I thank you that by your grace, I will overcome. Thank you for your promise that these calamities will pass. (Psalm 57:1) I speak your word, that you send to heal (Psalm 107:20), over my life. I receive the truth of your promises by faith. Amen and so be it, in Jesus' name.
"...Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee."
--Jeremiah 31:3