WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR ANGER WITH GOD…

If God had a face, I’d have punched it.
That’s how angry I was.
My anger wasn’t a red-hot, raging anger, but a smoldering slow burn, built up over time, corroding my heart and soul, straining our relationship.
I’d lost my mum and then my sister to cancer.
Now it was my turn.
He had to be kidding me?
The injustice. The grief. The unknown future. My kids, what about my sweet children? Was He deaf and blind to all I’d been through and the damage heading my way. I was mad.
Deep, dark, smoldering mad.
Wouldn’t you be?

What should I do with this smoking time bomb of anger?

It’s easy to get angry with God when we’re living a life we didn’t plan and would never choose. He’s the chap that put black holes in the cosmos (why, I have no idea) and those little luminous creatures at the bottom of the oceans (again, I’ve no idea why). He’s the guy who parted the Red Sea and healed the blind and crippled.

Why can’t He heal me?

Why doesn’t He part the waters threatening to drown me?

Over the years I’ve learned to do three things when I’m furious with the man upstairs. It doesn’t change my circumstances, but it does take me off DEFCON 1 anger alert. I’m more able to cope and feel His peace and love. I can keep my head above water when life threatens to drown me.

Here’s what I try to do to combat my anger with God

▪ Lament (have a good old moan)

Finally, I’ve given up hiding my ugly feelings from Him. I reckon He knows them anyway and is big enough to handle it. I learned to let it all hangout like a lamenting psalmist; screaming out blunt questions like How long? Why? Where are you? Unloading my frustrations, laying out my deepest fears for Him to see. It’s not only cathartic to get it off my chest, but surprisingly, my venting doesn’t push Him away, it draws Him closer.

I think He likes my honesty.

When we’re truly vulnerable, laying our emotions naked before Him, it’s an invitation He wont refuse. If we hide our anger He can’t calm its angry rashes or give us the peace we so desperately crave.

▪ Focus on Who God is

Truthfully, repeating verses about God’s character reminds me of who He is and His love for me. I start to feel His presence in my painful, messy situation, I’m reassured by His promises to not leave me, and give me the gift of His peace and joy right in the middle of my messed up life. His ways aren’t my ways but He has good plans for me and delights in me.

7 Powerful Scriptures to Combat Your Anger with God

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

▪ Remember Who I am to God

It is my desire to lavish my love on you simply because you are my child and I am your father. 1 John 3:1

As I think about who He is, it reminds me who I am; His daughter whom He loves (no matter what’s going on, or what I’ve done).

MORE SCRIPTURES TO COMBAT YOUR ANGER WITH GOD

It is my desire to lavish my love on you simply because you are my child and I am your father. 1 John 3:1

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalm 139:17-18

Anger with God, whether white-hot rage or the smoldering embers of fury, slowly corrodes our hearts if left unattended. Unfortunately, it burns away our peace, consumes our joy and burns brighter and deeper the longer it lingers. It’s exhausting, driving us away from the one person holding the fire extinguisher.

Next time I get snarky with God, I’m going to tell him how I feel, remember who He is and who I am to Him. Will you join me?

Are you harboring some smoldering anger or frustration with God?

Honestly, what would it look like for you to tell Him how you feel and why?

Take a moment to repeat the verses about God’s character and who you are to Him.
~ Niki Hardy

A PRAYER FOR COMBATING ANGER AT GOD:

Dear Lord, sometimes life is so painful and overwhelming I burn with anger; anger at you for not fixing it, mad at the world for being broken, furious at myself for not coping, and generally snarky with anything and anyone who crosses my path. I know anger isn’t a bad thing, it’s what I do with it that’s important, so help me pour out my heart to you. I’m so glad I can give you the burning coals of my fury, rather than dumping it on those I love, or letting them consume me. Thank you for loving me, for being a God I can trust and who promises to never leave however angry I get. Lord, sooth and calm my pounding heart with your love and comfort, today and in the days to come. Amen

NIKI HARDY ON BEING ANGRY WITH GOD

Niki is a Brit in the USA, a cancer survivor and pastor’s wife, a fresh air junkie and tea drinker. As a speaker and blogger her candid, humorous storytelling helps us find humor and grace in the darkest place, and learn to laugh and trust God when all we want to do is scream. She loves making new friends, so find her and more encouragement, on her blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. When she’s not speaking, writing or running trails with her Doodles, she can be found trying to figure out which of the three remote controls turn the TV on.

Truly, if you are a cancer survivor or know someone who is (don’t we all), you will love Niki’s beautiful outlook on life. She is a witty Brit with the most beautiful heart for the Lord. Although, life has thrown her under the bus on many occasions, she continues to trust God in every situation. Niki’s first book Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart is now available for pre-order. *Please order from smile.amazon.com and choose Amy Elaine Ministries as your charity of choice to help support Real Victory Radio. Niki was recently a guest on rVr where we talked about How to Cope with Anything Life Throws at You. Check the webpage soon for links to hear our conversation.

In closing, check out her website at nikihardy.com and you’ll understand why I just adore her! And, finally, here’s the download for her How to Handle Anything Christmas Throw at You.

ONE MORE THING…

Also, if you want to Experience Extravagant Love (at Christmas and) in the Everyday read this recent blog post.

© Amy Elaine Martinez and AmyElaine.com, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Amy Elaine Martinez and AmyElaine.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.