This morning during my quiet time I pondered times when I was angry with God. I mean, cussing, screaming, red-faced angry. Most often it was because I wanted something He didn’t give me: a quick answer to prayer, easier circumstances, answers to my ever-persistent, “Why, God?” questions. I thought about Jeremiah and David and how they expressed their anger. Anger with God is not a new thing.

My go-to place for venting my anger was my car, driving around until I was exhausted from yelling and crying…and ready to give up arguing, calm down, and listen to the only One Who could ultimately give me what I needed. I remember thinking at the end of one tirade, “Wow, no other God would wrap His arms around me, forgive me, and help me after I behaved so poorly. Jesus is amazing!”

Through those humbling meltdown times, I learned a few things about God, My Father, that I hope will help you when you’re angry with God.

1. We ALL get angry with God. It’s our human nature to want what we want, and want it now. Plus, the more we know God, the more we know He could intervene but chooses not to, which is so frustrating. We can’t figure it out either, because
2. reasoning doesn’t work. I used to think, “Why did God do for her but not for me?”, and then in the next breath, “How can I be mad at God after all He’s done for me? I should be able to let it go.”  Yet I couldn’t. Back and forth, I felt so guilty! I forgot that
3. anger is an emotion, not the state of our hearts. Separate the two – God does. We may be angry with God, but we’re still facing Him, right? That’s all He asks. If our hearts didn’t want God, wouldn’t we simply turn away in apathy? So continue to face Him, Who
4. knows we’re angry, so no point in hiding it. God would rather us express our anger to Him than take it out on others. He can handle it; others often can’t. Our relationship with God is always secure; other relationships can be harmed, sometimes irreparably. Also, know that
5. being angry with God is not a sin. Ephesians 4:26 says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Don’t try to hold it in, deal with your anger promptly before you say and do things you’ll regret. Have the meltdown with/to/at God. Only then can you
6. receive God’s assurance, peace, and love. He won’t always give you answers, but He’ll help you through whatever it is you’re facing. His presence will wrap around you like a blanket and bring you comfort.

The safest place to take your anger is to God, your Father, who knows you completely and will never turn away when you, His child, come to Him.  Come as you are. He knows your heart ultimately trusts Him, He understands your emotions, and His love is enough to weather your angry storm.

“Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.”
Ephesians 4:26-27, MSG