How many of you have ever been really angry with God?
I’ve known people to get mad at God for everything from not winning the Lottery, to losing a loved one.
Have you ever asked yourself: Why do I cringe so often on the inside when I hear another talk about how faithful God is? Why do I feel like throwing up when I hear another so joyfully say that ALL things are possible with God? Could it perhaps be because I feel like He has failed me? that He has not protected me and made anything possible? my parents? that are my hopes and dreams like a vapor to him? and that He does not see the depths of my inner struggle? does He take things away from me?
A fella that God said was “after His own heart” had many complaints. In the book of Psalms, we read about David unleashing his frustrations with God over and over. Yet, despite his frustrations, he kept coming back to the fact that God was his good.
That’s encouraging. Yet, how does that apply to us?
David knew his God. Many of us do not. It’s the difference between setting your foundation on sand vs. stone as Rob Bell points out in his video, “Rain”.
Foundation of Sand - we cry out to God because we HOPE He’ll hear us.
Foundation of Stone - we cry out to God because we KNOW He hears us.
So the real question is, “what do you know about God?” I mean, his character, nature and way is so vitally important to us translating the circumstances around us accurately. If you think that God is an angry and judgmental being, then you will have reason to cast blame because life is based on your PERFORMANCE… However, if you know Him as one that is loving, forgiving and empowering you when life gets challenging, then anger cannot be pointed His direction.
God doesn’t want our perfection or our performance… He is seeking our heart. And in the middle of your greatest tragedies, your heart is revealed.
Go ahead and be mad at God but we cannot twist and turn God and make him do things our way. God loves honesty. Getting angry is a an honest emotion.
Abraham argued with God over Sodom
Jacob wrestled with God
Jonah ran away from God
even Jesus said “Take this cup away from me”
Look, if you harbor questions and complaints for too long, they turn into irritation. Irritation turns into bitterness. Bitterness turns into rage. At that point, your heart will shut out anything God tries to say or do for you… or you may become like some who even think they will “get even” with God if they stop putting their faith in Him, not talk to Him or pretend He’s not there.
Why crummy things happen to people?
I don’t know. Sometimes, stuff happens.
The truth is, we don’t have all the answers as to why anything happens. And trying to blame God is not going to fix anything.
Our westernized minds can’t seem to get wrapped around the fact that there are just some things we may never understand.
Our enemy is not God… nor is it the devil… our greatest enemy is ignorance.
In the midst of your trial or difficulty, it is the time to run TOWARDS God, not away. He DOES care and He DOES want to help. Will you let Him?
