Biblical Answer

Understanding Anger towards God

It is natural to feel angry towards God when we are suffering. The Bible acknowledges this emotion and even describes God as being angry with the wicked. However, this anger should not be thought of as uncontrolled fury or personal spitefulness, but rather as a response to a real wrong. When we feel angry towards God, it is essential to examine our motives and ask ourselves if we are distressed over a sin that offends God and harms people, or if we are angry over the way we are affected. If the latter is true, it may be necessary to eschew anger altogether and instead focus on trusting God's love and sovereignty.

The Dangers of Unchecked Anger

Unchecked anger towards God can lead to a host of negative consequences, including feelings of bitterness and resentment. This can ultimately cause us to marginalize God and push him away, given him the cold shoulder. When we harbor anger against God, we are essentially saying that we have a right to be angry, and that God's love and sovereignty are not sufficient to meet our needs. This can lead to a downward spiral of depression and passivity, where we become stuck in a cycle of self-pity and anger. In contrast, when we turn to God in faith, we can find strength to endure our suffering and ultimately see His purpose achieved through it.

The Right Response to Suffering

So, what is the right response to suffering? Rather than harboring anger and bitterness towards God, we should ask ourselves if we have a right to be angry. Are we responding to a real wrong, or are we simply reacting to our own perceived injustices? When we can identify our anger and examine our motives, we can begin to see God's love and sovereignty at work in our lives. This is not to say that our suffering will be easy to bear, but it is to say that with faith and trust in God, we can find the strength to endure and ultimately see His purpose achieved through it. Ultimately, our response to suffering is a choice, and it is a choice that can either bring us closer to God or drive us further away. As the Bible says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). By choosing to trust God and seek His love and sovereignty, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of suffering.