Angry at God
You’ve been wronged, you’ve been hurt, you’ve been cheated and you are angry at God.
Whatever negative thing that’s happened in your life may leave you feeling like God doesn’t care—or wondering why He didn’t intervene when He should have. How can you possibly trust Him? Isn’t He supposed to love you? Maybe you’re not even sure He exists.
It’s OK to question the trials that you or someone you love are facing. Throughout history, people have struggled to understand why these things happen. Even people in the Bible like King David, Moses and Habakkuk didn’t hesitate to tell God how they felt.
David wrote, “How long, Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your anger keep burning like fire?” (Psalm 89:46). The Prophet Habakkuk cried out, “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!‘ but you do not save?” (Habakkuk 1:2). Moses, as he was leading a group of complaining people to their homeland, said to God, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you…?” (Numbers 11:11).
These great Biblical figures weren’t immune to suffering and feelings of injustice. They were honest about their feelings, but also acknowledged that God is holy and that His ways are above our ways (Isaiah 55:8).
There’s a difference between wrestling with questions and defiant rebellion against God—between expressing our anger to God and being angry at God. The first is perfectly fine and even healthy, but it’s not OK to be mad at God.
As imperfect, finite people, it’s not our place to be angry with an all-powerful God. He sees the big picture; we don’t. He holds the world in balance; we don’t. So what right do we have to disapprove of what He allows?
God didn’t create evil, and He’s not out to harm you. Whatever you’ve experienced isn’t a personal attack from God, but either a result of the evil and unfairness in the world, or a refining by God to ultimately strengthen you because of His love for you.
Anger is a valid reaction to hardship, but when left unchecked, it can lead to hostility or bitterness and eat at you from the inside out. That’s why the Bible says in Ephesians 4:26, “Be angry, and do not sin”—because when we give anger a foothold, it can lead to all kinds of negative thoughts and actions.
The burden you bear, the problem you face, the affliction you can’t shake—it may be painful, overwhelming and frustrating. Whatever it is, there’s nothing wrong with telling God about it. In fact, He already knows! Just be sure you’re not directing your anger at the One who loves you and wants to help you through it.
Don’t let anger drive a wedge between you and God. Discover the depth of His love for you today.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
