Mad at God

I never get mad at God anymore. In fact, I have rarely been mad at God. I know people who are, who have, who do often, though. I understand why some do, especially when something happens to them, to their family and it rocks their faith, their world. Anger is a powerful emotion and it can be unleashed on anyone, including God.

What bothers me (much more than it does God, I'm sure) is people who don't know God getting angry at God. It's the ones who don't pay any attention to God that when something goes awry they lash out, blame God, vow not to trust Him any more (as if they ever did anyway). As a pastor it's these circumstances that are difficult to overcome. When people get the wrong idea about God it's hard to correct and shift perceptions. But again, I'm sure it bothers me much more than it bothers God!

Now, I don't believe that it's wrong to get mad at God. Our big-shouldered-God can handle it. God welcomes this response, too. At least it is a response and sometimes the only response God gets from people. God seeks our passions, even if it is the negatives ones. So God says to us, "bring it on!"

The reason I never get mad is that I've discovered I can count on God. It's not God who has created my circumstances, but me. God doesn't have it in for me (or for you) but is on our side, ready to help. While I still sometimes cry out, "why me?" "why now?" "why here?" I also understand that God may not answer my "why" questions, rather will give me the "what next" answers. These are the ones I need anyway. In other words, most of the time, God answers the questions I should be asking, answers the prayers I should be praying. It's why I count on God.

"I'm singing your prowess,
shouting at cockcrow your largesse,
for you've been a safe place for me,
a good place to hide.
Strong God, I'm watching you do it,
I can always count on you -
God, my dependable love." (Psalm 59:16-17, Msg)

When God becomes to us the center of our passions, our dependable love, we'll also find the resting place, the strong tower, the solid rock, the impregnable castle of God.

Then we'll stop shaking our fists...

...and run into the safe and dependable arms of God.

Peace ><>
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