Are You Mad At God?
I've got to believe at some point in your life, you've raised your fist and shouted out in anger at God. Most of us have done it.
Maybe your parent died, or you had a friend get seriously sick, or even killed. Maybe you have cancer, or some kind of handicap. These and other serious issues enter our lives, making it easy to target God for our pain.
Someone described anger this way: Anger is a human emotional response to situations that are either out of our control or out of our ability to understand, or both.
How to Handle Being Angry at God
What does Jesus say about anger?
Jesus talks about anger several times in the New Testament of the Bible. Let’s look at a few of them:
- Anger and the Heart
- In the book of Matthew, Jesus warns against harboring anger and hatred in one's heart, suggesting that letting it fester can have a pretty destructive effect. You can find that in Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV): "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment."
- Reconciliation and Forgiveness
- In the same passage Matthew, Jesus encourages us to resolve conflicts and reconcile with others quickly. He suggests that it's better to “leave your gift at the altar,” meaning you should pause what you’re doing and make sure things are set right between you and the person you’re in conflict with instead of letting it grow in your heart. (Matthew 5:23-24)
- Turn the Other Cheek
- In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus teaches the principle of turning the other cheek when someone wrongs you. He encourages his followers not to respond to aggression with aggression, but rather to respond with love and patience. It’s important to note that “turning the other cheek” is not meant to allow someone who has hurt you to get away with it and do it again. But if you’re in a situation where you can extend grace and relieve yourself from the anger you feel, consider forgiveness.
- Forgiveness
- In the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus instructs his disciples to ask for forgiveness from God as they also forgive those who trespass against them. You can check out our resources on forgiveness if you want to know more. Forgiveness is a powerful act and a complicated subject, so it’s important to explore further if you are angry with someone or if you’d like to seek forgiveness from someone else.
- Be Peacemakers
- In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the peacemakers, stating that they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9). To Jesus, fostering peace and resolving conflicts should be a priority.
- Admonishing a Brother
- In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus talks about how to address conflict within a community. He suggests first going to the person privately if they've done something to hurt you against you, or if you’ve wronged them. Give them a chance to settle things with you personally. If someone is unwilling to take accountability for their wrong, it might be useful to involve others in seeking reconciliation–asking a friend to talk to someone on your behalf, for example, or going to HR if your boss or coworker isn’t willing to make something right at work.
Jesus teaches the importance of managing anger, addressing it promptly, and striving for reconciliation and forgiveness. He always advocates for a mindset of love, patience, and humility when dealing with conflict. While anger is a natural human emotion, the way it is handled and processed plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy relationships and spiritual well-being. So it’s absolutely 100% okay to be angry… even Jesus felt angry sometimes! Check out Matthew 21 and Mark 11 for proof. Just be intentional about how you act when you’re angry.
What are some of the reasons why we get mad at God?
Have you ever wondered why we get so angry at God? That's what I want to talk about, because I can assure you that while God allows us to cry out to Him, He doesn't want us stuck in rage towards Him.
The main reason we get so upset with God is that we think He owes us something. This usually happens in two ways:
1. We don't get something we want.
Have you ever really wanted a relationship with that perfect girl or guy? Or you really wanted that job you knew for certain would be perfect for you? When these things didn't work out, you no doubt found yourself hurt and disappointed. Our first impulse is almost always to blame God.
Daphne wrote: When we get mad at God it is really like a 2-year-old throwing a fit because Mommy or Daddy won't let them stick their finger in the light socket. The 2-year-old can only see what he/she wants, the parent sees the bigger picture, and the danger. When we are mad at God we show our immaturity, ignorance, and our shortsightedness.
2. We get something we DON'T expect.
When something bad happens to someone we love, or to us, or someone gets really sick, or even dies we wonder why these things have to happen. We think of God as a big genie in the sky who should only give us good things and prevent the bad.
I received a comment from someone who said: Some people wonder why their lives end up being a certain way, and they blame God for it, because if God really cared for them, then He wouldn't let them suffer.
We think, "If God is so loving, why am I in so much pain? Is He punishing me for no reason by allowing horrible things to happen to me, or the people I love, or even the world?"
3. We think God owes us something.
Both of these situations can make a person feel like God doesn't care about us. After all the prayers we've prayed, God still didn't heal your brother's cancer, or get you the job you wanted.
Joe wrote: I have to admit that I am angry at God. The more I have prayed for help and guidance, the more I get nothing. He is ignoring me. It's His right to do with me what He will, but I am frustrated because I have done what I think I am supposed to do and yet no response, no help.
We get angry when we think God owes us something. When in fact, God owes us nothing.
A couple of other reasons:
- We get angry with God when we don't know all the facts. It's so easy to think we know everything, but we can only see a very small part of the picture.
- We get angry at God when we see others claim to know Him, and then act like hypocrites. It's easy to blame God for the faults of others.
These are just a few reasons why people get angry with God. Of course, there are many more.
How to Get Over Being Mad at God - Know What You Can Expect From Him.
If we think God is going to be our genie in a bottle, and make everything good in our lives, we're going to be mad at God when something bad happens. Having faith in God is not insurance against hardships.
In the Bible, Jesus says- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
So what can we expect from God?
- His Peace - If we trust in Him and believe in Him we will have peace even in the hard times. Do you want to know how to find this peace? Begin Your Journey To Peace with this great resource from Peace With God.
- God Wins in the End - This world is full of sin, hate and death and that comes from the enemy, Satan, not from God. However, for all those who believe in Jesus, there is glorious, eternal life in heaven.
- His Comfort - He promises to be near those who are hurting. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
- His love - He promises His love for us. "God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1 John 4:16) He loves your heart and is with you in the midst of whatever your circumstances.
- Life with greater meaning and significance - If we got everything we thought we wanted, we'd be spoiled and selfish. God is a wise father who knows what we need to become the best men and women we can be.
What can you do when you are mad at God?
1. Tell him how you feel.
The best thing you can do is tell God what you're angry about. He wants to hear from you about what you're thinking and feeling. Tell God honestly where you are at. God knows what's going on inside of you, but He wants to you be able to come to Him with honesty and openness.
2. Place the blame for evil on Satan, not on God.
God is good and Holy and perfect and loving. He is the opposite of evil. You may be mad at God because he didn't prevent the bad from happening to you, but he is not to blame for the bad thing, Satan is. Jesus says in the Bible "The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)
3. Pray for courage, strength and peace to make it through the day.
Betsy wrote: I find it easiest to leave everything in God's hands and pray that he will care for me and do what's BEST for me, not what I want, but what is best. It's very hard, and I have trouble with that at times, but that is my overall goal.
4. Trust that God will use a hardship for something beyond what you can see.
So can God use everything we go through for a greater purpose? I believe He can. Ask God for understanding to see the bigger picture. Over time, you may see more clearly how God used your trial for good.
Jill wrote honestly: I feel like I have a daily tug of war with God. I know everything happens for a reason, but when you're lonely, broke, bored, and feel helpless, it is really hard to say, okay God, I know you're doing this for a reason.
Betsy echoed Jill's thoughts: After many trials, I learned that it is best to accept what God has done and believe that it is for my good, whether I like it or not.
Believing He does have a reason for everything we go through helps us to trust that something bigger is going on here, even more than we can probably understand. But I'm not God, He is. And I'm just going to trust that He knows what's going on with me.
5. Get involved in other people's lives.
A lot of our anger and frustration in life comes from thinking about ourselves too much - we think about the way things are and how different they are from how we wish they'd be.
Yevgenia wrote: One of the best things I have learned while going through this is God won't put you through something unless he knows you will be able to overcome it. Another way I have used these things in a positive way is by using my experiences to help others who are going through similar things in their lives.
The best way to find joy and peace from the hardships of life is to get involved in other people's lives. Take an interest in other people and their circumstances. Share in their joy and their pain.
6. Decide to have a relationship with God.
The Bible says the only way to know God is by knowing His son, Jesus. Jesus was basically God with skin-on and gave us a way to know who He is, His love, and how to be in a relationship with Him.
Lucas wrote: Sometimes only God will know why He has allowed a trial and sometimes He will reveal its purpose to us. Sometimes it's because He is preparing us for a greater thing. Sometimes it is to show us how little we truly love Him, and to allow us to change. Trials give us an opportunity to build our faith in a way nothing else can.
How have you dealt with your own personal anger toward God? I'd love to hear from you. Please let me know how you got over being upset with God.
It’s hard to have faith when life is hard, but God understands your pain. For more help read this blog: Life is Hard, God Understands
For more on reconciling the goodness of God and bad things in the world read these blogs from organizations we partner with:
I don't understand. I grew up in church. I believe in grace. I was taught to speak to my problems because God is bigger. I pray and read the bible. God let me and my family down big time recently. I look like a fool in front of them. Nothing comes out the way I would like it. Everything is oppositional. Then I see flat out mean people, people who don't believe in God, get everything they want. They live happy fulfilling lives especially after they've wronged me or one of my loved ones. How are we to trust God if He isn't there for us, even with the little things? He controls everything, doesn't He? So He chooses for us to suffer? It's like I'm a big joke to Him. I have given up reading the bible and praying. That way, I don't have to have hope. The devil wins.
I'm in the position... I'm believing more in law of attraction and that we powerfully create good and bad
So, is there a solution? Is there an opportunity?
I am in the same position. I have prayed this prayer to him more than once. "The devil wins", "I don't think that I can trust you", "I have no hope even I believe in you", "Why must they(unbelievers) live flawless lives while I must suffer everyday", "Do you even care that I am expressing my heart to you?", "I don't even know why I am coming to you. I know that you will not change anything." I have prayed for death many times as well. I wish that I could help you in some way. But all I can do is speak from my current situation. For some reason, he has still kept me here. It makes me angry, but he has not given up on me like I am close to giving up on him. Drawing closer to him during times and troubles is easier said than done. Especially when we have been going through hard times for a long while. I guess what I am currently learning from both of our feelings is that being mad and turning away has less of a chance in changing anything. Try expressing to him how you are feeling and reading the bible. I read and express to him what is in my heart even when I am angry. I do not know how many times I have been through this cycle, but as I am sitting here writing this with anger in my heart right now. I am tired of the same thing happening over and over. I know that the devil knows where to attack you to shake your faith. While I have fallen many times, I always find myself going back to God. Most of the times not immediately. All I can tell you is do not give up. Yes, I feel that the devil has won and I am at my lowest. I have been for years. But for some reason, I am still here, and even though I have little faith, I still have faith. So maybe he hasn't won. Just remember that Satan seeks to devour you and he know exactly where to bite. But it is in our weakness that HE (God) is strong. I will be praying that both you and me will overcome our situation, no matter how long it takes. I know from experience that this is easier said than done, but try not to give up. Turn back and try to trust him. I realize now that he is my only hope that things will EVER get better...
Hm
God has just let me down and disappointed me in a major way. I was telling everybody & firmly believing I was going to win a lawsuit, where I was actually the injured party. But, I didn't win anything. In fact I'm 40k in debt to the lawyer, and have to file bankruptcy. I have worked for the last 30 years for nothing. How can I not be mad at God? I was completely depending on Him. Completely Depending on Him and He let me down.
I'm in exactly the same position as you - I'm trying to carry on praying but it's so tiring, and it's like if I'm ever going to get back to God I have to admit that it's all my fault, which i genuinely don't believe it is.
You should turn to Gods Word to find your strength. God loves you even though you went through this. You cannot lose trust in Him over it because God never said that we would not ever be persecuted or attacked by others. We live in a fallen world & Jesus' disciples all experienced persecution, beatings and were treated wrongfully. Even Jesus Himself was beaten and crucified so don't feel like God wasn't there for you. Actually God can sympathize with what you went through more than anyone because He went through pain at the hands of others Himself.
Hi Canasia,
Thanks for your reply.Even before you posted this,I did try what you advised.I can only find Satan mocking and laughing his ass off whenever I come across a verse where God says about His protective hands.For example, I recently read Pslams 23 and after I read 'Yea thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil' , immediately I can hear Satan say ... "Oh yeah... God was not with you in that alleyway where you were beaten up.What makes you think He is going to be with you in the valley of the shadow of death?".For this, I have no reply.
You said that Jesus and His disciples were persecuted themselves.But that was for a cause.It happened when they were trying to preach the truth.In my case, I was just walking on the street to the grocery store and was attacked.Why then does the Bible carry verses saying that God will protect His people eg: Pslams 91. If God allows persecution to His disciples, then why did He protect Daniel in the lions den and Shadrach,Mesach and Abednego in the furnace of fire? Does this not seem unjust for a justful God to protect some and give up some for persecution?
When I ask about this to believers, the answers I get are ... It is His will and we should not question Him and so on.Well... It makes me think that God is so unpredictable for me to trust on Him always.His word says that He will not put me to shame.But Jesus did put me to shame even after using Jesus name on that night in the streets.He could have protected me just like He protected Daniel and his friends.
I am honestly trying to redeem my faith.But incidents like this hinder me and make me question.I still believe in Him... but deep inside I have a voice saying that I am deceiving myself.I dont know what to do.Kindly keep me in your prayers.Thanks.
With tears,
Kiruba
Hi Kiruba,
I am very very sorry that this happened to you. And please don't let anyone EVER tell you it was God's will or that you are not allowed to ask why.
Furthermore, I can totally understand where you are coming from. Just to give you an idea: When I was 13 years old I was stabbed with a knife in my neck which left me paralyzed from the neck down.Some other horrible things also happened during this attack. I had to learn how to walk and write from scratch. It's 16 years later and I'm still experiencing physical and emotional pain.
So...When it comes to God people will tell me the following, thinking that they are helping:
-It was His will.
-It's all part of His great plan.
-Get over yourself. Everyday worse things happens to others.
-Don't worry...God is control.
These statements made me so furious at God. But lately I've realized those statements are not true but other peoples' picture of God. I'm still working through a lot of anger and questions.
KirUba , Ibelieve you have been given an opportunity to be just like Christ. Those people who attacked you are evil and Satan owns them. Pray Father forgive them, they no not what they do. Pray for those who despite fully use you. These are the words of God Almighty. He has given you h ortunity to pray and intercede for people who are going t hell. You must trust God to give you the words to pray for them. And you will by God's grace be acting to bring them to God. If they had not beat you up, ll the people here would not know these people neede praer. As we pray for you, we will pray for them. As you pray for them, God will strengthen your faith because you are willing to obey Him And pray for and forgive These people who dint deserve goodness just like we dont, but while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God bless you! We must pray for our friend in Christ and for the salvation of those in evil.
I was a believer and had close communion with God. A year ago, I got mugged and attacked by a gang on my birthday for my mobile phone. I believed in God so much that when they punched me and kicked me, I said.... I'm a child of Jesus. Do not attack me anymore in Jesus name. The situation got worse and was attacked more. After the attack, I was scared to go out in the streets in the evenings and was mentally extra cautious and over protective. Doctors say that I have post traumatic stress disorder. I went to the Lord and asked why?... No answer from Him. I'm not angry with God anymore.... But my trust in His protective hands is not there anymore however hard I try. I lost my trust and cannot believe Him like before . What should I do ?
our days are becoming worse
be carefull when you use jesus name
to the wrong person at the wrong time you could end up even in a worse position
i think its wise to have mates with you these days and be careful what route you take
i am glad you can still coraspond with words
you have every right to feel the way you do
what you should do is what you are doing BEING MORE CAUTIOUS
with time you will get your confidence
back in yourslef and also in our loving Father with only time you will
understand
Keep your gard up K
Hello Kirubakaran,
I came on here to get answers for what I am going through myself and I ran across your questions and message. It actually gave me an answer for my situation. What I can say about your situation is plan. God didn't do the harm nor did the devil, but the guys who attacked you and did what they did to you. We forget that we all make decisions and those decisions are right or wrong. One thing, you should be grateful because God was present because you are alive to tell the story. They could have beat you to death or they could have hit you wrong and you could have accidently died, but you are still alive. God got and is getting his glory out of the situation because you are alive, you don't know what happened to the guys who attacked you and how your saying Jesus during the attack did something to someone in the bunch. I know they will never forget it or maybe just one. You don't know who saw and heard the attack and how during the attack you said Jesus' name. We always think about ourselves and think about pay back, but realize that God allows certain things for a reason because will affect those who have done you wrong. Not by hurting them, but changing them some times. Also without this situation you wouldn't have wanted to know more about God and you don't know that the same thing may happen to those who attacked you.
If a cop saw something bad happening, and he could stop it but didn't we'd fire him, and probably put him in jail for dereliction of duty God is many times more powerful, able to see evil, etc., etc., so when He doesn't help, that makes his non-involvement much worse. I don't expect God to help me find my car keys when I can't, but I DO expect him to help me when I have been canned by CH Robinson MSP for NOT, I repeat, NOT lying to clients.
Hi
I would tell you to
1-talk with God , express how you feel
2- remember that we may face hardships that we may never understand but God is always there (abuse, harm, confusion , ,depression, death)
3-write down a list of things your grateful for from God or your grateful that's he's done in people around you
4-go back to God and when you feel genuinely comfortable to confess , repent ask for forgiveness ask for Gods love protection and lay it all out and profess how your future will be God willing. ( being fruitful, having prosperity , wealth , protection ,you won't be in the wrong place at the right time etc youl soon forget about the down when God will uplift you higher than your enemies!
5- don't feed into your Feelings or fears
things will happen and its so upsetting to hear things that people have been trough but it's where you shine through.
Its easier said then done- I've been in situations which have spiraled my world (abuse) and no one has understood me but God he loves me unconditionally even when I know it's by grace, because I don't deserve it. But he will win. Period. Nothing less
I see it as in a few years time or when your on your death bed do you want something to hold you bad from meeting your maker? imagine God saying well done I'm proud of you , come see your glories and riches in heaven
remembering it's not wise to waste your life on earth because of silly people . These people may even sleep at night peacefully and you want to let it loose your trust of protection in God ?
its time you run to God and ask him for the opposite of how you feel , although I may be upset , who's really going to help God.
This is something I do when I'm down : I ask God to provide the things I lack in or have hurt me and I need healing , and he does . Seek and you shall find . He said he will carry my burden and he will.
it's all about breaking and controlling how your mind thinks along with your feelings . We learn feelings and pain and these things interfere we how sometimes we may feel towards God , I see it as although the world may end up doing cruel things , who God has created me to be will never be diminished.
You create your life as upsetting as it can be sometimes , we can only pray that know God will work in the people who attached you lifes also and that they get saved.
The devil wants this . For you to lost trust please don't .
( what if because of what they done to you one of them repeated and gave his life to Christ?)
I'd say run back to God . He don't need us we need him , I want you to shine I want you to overcome this and come back with your testimony. Stay blessed
You were spared is how I see it. God protected you from Death. You live to overcome this and tell people your testimony on how you still have faith in God. You are a survivor. (oh I would avoid dangerous alleys, I would also pray for discerning people and areas and pray prior to stepping foot anywhere.)
You are alive aren't you? God saved you.
Jesus was right there with you. He kept you alive. I don’t understand why you had to go through this, and I will pray for you to get your trust back. Use this as a stepping stone to get stronger and maybe help others who go through similar situations. I’m sorry you had to go through this trams. I pray this helps you some
I feel the anger building up toward God. I have been raised in church, and "know" all the right answers. But it isn't helping now. They say use scripture, did that every time and it only worked a few times. Praying feels like talking to a wall. I have confessed my sin so many times, but still seem to keep doing it. Most of the anger I feel is due to bad things in churches. We had to leave one due to blatant sin from the Pastor which no one wanted to correct. The next was also due to the Pastor not following the church bylaws and again no one else wanting to correct it. We also finally escaped one where the Pastor placed himself as God and pretty much decided if you were saved or not. Now I am fearful of getting close to people at different churches. I don't trust God enough after this and a few other things not to get seriously hurt again. And it scares me to be mad at God because I know I shouldn't be.
Hey,reading your comment made me realize that God is not going to stop us from sinning. Of course he doesn’t want us to do it but you have to be willing to ask him to help you not sin anymore. I’ve confessed my sins so many times as well and I also seem to keep doing it but I realize that’s because I choose to keep doing it. If you don’t want to stop, God is not going to force you stop sinning. You’re saying the scripture only worked a few times maybe it’s because your faith is not as strong as it was before, you might think praying is like talking to a wall because things in your life seems to be the same but know that every time you pray God listens and he answers when you least expect it or when he knows the time is right. It takes longer because he’s always testing us, always seeing if our faith is strong enough so please don’t give up. It’s ok to be mad but you need to tell him then ask him to speak to your heart. I’m sure you’re an amazing person don’t let the devil keep you far away from God. You can also read Psalm 22 (verses 1-6 and 22-31). I will also keep you in my prayers. God bless you!
Hey Parttimelover, I understand your frustration with GOD, and wanting to give up but please don't! Don't always focus on what God is not doing for you a the moment, focus on what he already has done for you. I'm 22 years old and I had cancer when I was a little girl I almost died! But God didn't allow it. I have so many things going on in my life right now, all I asked God was to help me go to school. I was denied admission twice and as much as I want to be angry with God, I know he has the answer. He will not abandon us. My dad who lost his father, mother and his sister should be angry with God but he praises him everyday. Please don't let the devil turn you against God, the devil wants you to give up but please don't. God is very powerful and he wants you to be strong don't focus on the negative. You're still alive for a reason and you have a story to tell, don't question God it's okay to be angry but continue to pray and ask him to speak to your heart. "When something bad happens to you, thank God not because you're suffering but because you know he has the answer. When things look hopeless praise him because he will bring hope to your circumstances!" More so please read Psalm 22 (verses 1-6 and 22-31). I will keep you in my prayers and don't Give up!
What if I gave up.and now.want to come back