Are You Mad At God?

When a woman I’ll call Clarissa approached me, I could tell she was troubled.  I mean, really under it.

She whispered, “I have had several things happen to me and I am very mad at God. What should I do?”

My heart broke for her. I didn’t need to know the details of her life to know what to say to her. I’ve heard stories from so many other women to know that the specifics don’t matter as much as being heard matters.

If that’s where you are, can I tell you what I told Clarissa?

That’s a hard place to be. I’m so sorry this is your situation right now. It’s really important that you not try to handle this on your own. Find a church or a counselor or join a group that will help you process your hurt and get your life back.

Here are 5 keys that will get you on track. 

1. Remember that God can handle your anger.
   If you need to stomp and storm at the heavens, he understands that.
2. Acknowledge your pain and hurt.
   It’s real. It’s no lack of faith to be upset with your life or circumstances.
   King David demonstrates this throughout the Psalms. Here is just one example: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” -Psalm 22:1-3
3. Take responsibility for any part of the mess that is yours.
   Is there anything you need to do, any apologies you need to make, or any restitution to repay?  Do that.
   For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. -2 Corinthians 5:10
4. Forgive anyone and everyone who hurt you and caused you this pain and suffering – including yourself.
   The longer you hold onto it, the deeper the bitterness and longer it will take to get through.
   Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13
   Remember that forgiving someone does mean you have to spend time with them. Forgiveness does not have to mean restoration of relationship.
5. Ask God to invade your thoughts and dreams.
   Ask him to reveal himself to you and demonstrate his love to you.
   Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. – Jeremiah 33:3

Know that God does love you and is with you and wants so much more for you than you have right now.

Today, Clarissa is doing much better. She’s been working with me, and belongs to a community of believers who provided the prayer support and wise advice she needed to break free of the anger.

Now, she has her life back.

If you want yours back,  watch for the free workshop I’m offering on this topic and other aspects of the Christian faith starting Jan 10, 2019 on my Facebook page.