God knows everything that happens to us, our emotions, losses, heartbreaks, disappointments, and failures. He is not oblivious of any of these things, so in the same vein, God knows when you are angry with Him. No matter how much you try to sugarcoat your emotions, if you do decide to communicate them with God, He knows the real deal. God sees your heart (1 Samuel 16:7). He sees your anger, and He understands it. So can you be angry with God? Absolutely! Because He knows how you feel when things don’t work out, or when your prayer doesn’t get answered.
Now that we have established that you can be angry with God, what then do you do with that anger? Simply put, take the anger to Him. Anger tends to make you want to stay away from God, but the truth is that you might not get any relief from that. Jonah was angry with God because He felt disappointed in God’s compassion toward Nineveh, which meant that his prophecy of judgment had not come to pass. In response to Jonah’s anger, God explained His compassion to Him, using a plant. God provided Jonah with a plant to offer shade and comfort, but later sent a worm to destroy it, followed by harsh wind. Jonah was then angry that the plant got destroyed. God used the plant, the worm, and the wind to show Jonah that if he can care so much about a plant, how much more should he care about the souls of people, particularly those who are lost and in need of God’s mercy.
The bottom line is that God’s initial response to Jonah’s anger was an explanation and comfort, not judgment (Jonah 4).
Job is another Bible character who got angry with God. In his case, he lost everything he had ever loved: his children, his health, and his wealth. Job’s wife and some of his friends, who were supposed to offer him succor, unfortunately, became a thorn in His flesh. This made him turn to God to express his frustration, anger, and disappointment. Yet again, God did not respond with judgment; He responded with a series of questions that helped Job realise God’s wisdom and supremacy. These questions also pointed out the limitations of human understanding and the complexity of creation, which led Job to repentance.
Sometimes, just like Job, you might not get an explanation as to why God allowed you to go through that loss, heartbreak, disappointment, injustice, or sickness, but one thing is sure: you will find solace in Him.
Some bible verses that can help when you feel disappointed by God are:
- Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
- Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
- Isaiah 43:2
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
- Matthew 11:28-29
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- 1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
- Isaiah 55:8-9
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
- Psalm 42:11
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!
- Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
- Romans 8-28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
- Psalm 34:17-19
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
Finally, know that when you’re angry with God;
- Speak up, let God know how you feel. Remember that God knows your true, undiluted feelings, so there is no need to hide anything from Him. His shoulders are big enough to carry your pain.
- Journal your journey. Record your total experience, from your journey of disappointment, to your anger with God, to your recovery process. With this, you’ll be able to look back on your experience, learn the lessons, be grateful, and inspire someone else.
- Talk to a trusted person of faith.
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