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Angry with God - 8/10/2008 8:39:00 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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What does one do when they're angry with God to the point where they don't even feel like praying to Him? For quite some time now, I've dealt with this. I hate many things that he's brought down into my life, and I'm almost at the point where I think He finds this funny or enjoys making life difficult and/or painful for me. Its come to the point where some nights I lay in bed thinking about things that have happened to me over the past decade or so. I think about dreams that have been crushed, people who have hurt me and never paid for it, stress that I've been put under, areas where I've been treated unfairly or seen friends/family hurt by others where I couldn't do anything... and just tell God how much I hate Him. I know that its wrong to do that, and I always ask for forgiveness afterwards. I try to forgive other's but the memories and feelings always come back. its like I can't get rid of the anger towards them, and that leads towards more frustration towards God?
What pleasure does God get from this? Does God know how angry I am towards him, and does he understand why or even care? Is He making me like this for a reason? How do I deal with this anger towards God?
< Message edited by TorchHeart -- 8/10/2008 8:46:49 PM >
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 8:59:14 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2792
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
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your feelings are not unique: read Psalm 88
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 9:17:15 PM
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Theophile2
Posts: 216
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Torchheart - "rgod" has some great advice in her post, and I'll bet Yancey's book is a great read. We may not comprehend all you are going through, but we have compassion for you in your situation. I too have spent time railing against God, but that doesn't reflect a spirit submitted to his providence. It is difficult, I know, believe me, I know.
While you are scrambling about looking for Yancey's book, here are some websites I Googled for you:
http://www.biblrytr.com/transformed5.htm
http://bereansingles.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/psalm-43-a-prayer-to-god-in-times-of-trouble/
The Bible tells us that we should praise God for who He is in the midst of our pain:
Ps 43:1-5 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! (2) For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (3) Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (4) Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. (5) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Rom 5:2-5 ESV Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, (4) and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, (5) and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
James 1:2-5 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
1Th 5:16-18 Rejoice always, (17) pray without ceasing, (18) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Oh ... and reading the book of Job might bring a bit of perspective as well. Or reviewing all of the hardships the Apostle Paul had to go through and yet sang praises to God through all of it.
Acts 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Another item that helped me was buying some of Integrity Music's "iWorship @ Home" DVDs ... pop it in and turn on the lyrics prompts and sing along - whether you feel like it or not - praising God when you hurt is not easy, but these have helped me tremendously.
Praising God for who He is in the midst of your pain - as difficult as it is - will eventually (maybe even over years) work to heal your emotional distress.
May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may He look upon you with favor, and give you peace.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 9:17:17 PM
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Liveloved
Posts: 1908
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quote:
What does one do when they're angry with God to the point where they don't even feel like praying to Him? For quite some time now, I've dealt with this. I hate many things that he's brought down into my life, and I'm almost at the point where I think He finds this funny or enjoys making life difficult and/or painful for me. Its come to the point where some nights I lay in bed thinking about things that have happened to me over the past decade or so. I think about dreams that have been crushed, people who have hurt me and never paid for it, stress that I've been put under, areas where I've been treated unfairly or seen friends/family hurt by others where I couldn't do anything... and just tell God how much I hate Him. I know that its wrong to do that, and I always ask for forgiveness afterwards. I try to forgive other's but the memories and feelings always come back. its like I can't get rid of the anger towards them, and that leads towards more frustration towards God?
What pleasure does God get from this? Does God know how angry I am towards him, and does he understand why or even care? Is He making me like this for a reason? How do I deal with this anger towards God?
Have you ever thought He wants to make you LIKE Himself---conformed to the image of Jesus? If so, you're going to go through bad stuff. Look, for example, at the life of Paul. He tells of his beatings, imprisonments, lashings, shipwreck, etc. And he has the responsibility for the church on his shoulders as well. And what does Paul say? He says, "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." He says that he will spend and be expended for the souls of others. It is the life Jesus lived. It is the life we will live if we are His.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 9:18:23 PM
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LivingParadox
Posts: 818
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First off, God can handle our anger and he values our honesty. I'm sorry you are going through all the things you currently are going through. No trite expressions or cliches to make it better. Just know that no matter what comes your heavenly Father knows, loves and is with you. And when whatever trials you have weathered ends that you will shine like gold (from the refiners fire).
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 9:18:28 PM
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LCannon
Posts: 1261
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
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Maybe He's waiting until our(endless)pity party and limited expectation runs it's course. He rarely will break into one's sympathy largely because He can't show us what His obedience(not our limited experience)can accomplish in a personal soul. Except action; not on our terms but in the liberty of obedience based on His Riches and watch out! (refer to my signature file below)
< Message edited by LCannon -- 8/11/2008 11:39:46 AM >
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 9:51:56 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3393
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From: my mom by God
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I am not sure I have ever been angry with God.
He's not the one who messes up...is He?
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Angry with God - 8/10/2008 10:12:27 PM
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LivingParadox
Posts: 818
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Oh, I've been angry with God before...so I totally understand TorchHeart's comments.
It doesn't make him any less God or perfect but sometimes life just isn't going the way a loved child of God thinks/feels it should be for an obedient and not so obedient child. Even Job got angry with God, read David's Psalms ...it doesn't mean we are right but we are honest in our anger. When I'm angry with God, I totally admit it to him -- it's not like he doesn't already know and I'm not going to pretend ...and once my frustration is gone, I simply fall at His feet. I know who I belong to me and nothing I can do is going to change that status.
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For 7 lonely years.... - 8/11/2008 12:30:10 AM
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rofaith
Posts: 61
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From: rofaith, a believer
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I was married for 23 years and prayed and prayed for God to intervene and make our marriage a happy and loving marriage. I would sometimes weep, crying out to Him wondering why things continued the way they did. Finally, our issues got the best of us and we divorced.
After the divorce, I just wanted to be alone. I was angry, wounded and just didn't want to be hurt anymore than I already was. And then, later, after 7 years of isolation, loneliness, insane aloneness without any emotional connection to anyone, including my children and without friends I walked into a church worship service with a lot of questions, but desperate. I had been so angry at God, even to the point of shouting at him while driving my car and shaking my fist in the air at Him many times.
I spent a year in recovery from my depression, codependency and other issues in a program called Celebrate Recovery. Gratefully, I had not turned to alcohol or drugs, but I had retreated so far into myself that I had made myself emotionally ill. In God's wonderful mercy and grace, He accepted me into His Kingdom even though I was still angry at Him. Finally, I told Him that I was angry at Him and that I had so many questions and wonderings as to why He didn't intervene in my marriage, in my life and her life to save my family which by now, I had lost.
Paradoxically, I found that when I focused on my own sin and shortcomings, I was able to own why the marriage had failed all along. We both had fallen short, but in His presence, I had to own up to my selfishness and self centeredness. Once I did that, He showed my that He was with me all along. He saved my life both physically, emotionally and even saved my children's lives a couple of times in car accidents. Somehow in that experience I found that He actually knew that if I had lost my children, that I would have gone to a point of no return. He had watched my back all along while trying His very best to deal with both of our disobedience. In the end, neither of us could come to grips with our own sin in time to save things.... and so I knew, it wasn't His fault at all. In fact, He had tried His very, very best despite us to save our family. It was myself and my ex-wife that were the one's who had given up, not Him.
And so, through the unfailing love and grace of God, I found peace with God in this and actually, after coming to this realization two things happened. First, I fell down on my knees in gratefulness and worship and 2nd, even though I had suffered so much..... and I did, I am not including all of the details here since it would be inappropriate for this forum, but regardless, even though I had suffered so much, I was grateful for the broken, ugly, suffering road that I had walked. The Footsteps Poem is really true. He carried me.
The net-net is, you will be prayerless for a while, but be honest with God and take off the mask. His love is unfailing and you will ALWAYs be welcome in His presence...... In His grip gratefully, rofaith
_____________________________
There is no other name....
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RE: For 7 lonely years.... - 8/11/2008 12:57:08 AM
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thiricy
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rofaith's message says it all, Life is really unfair and I have said that to myself so many times and I each time I get angry at God. If we understood God he would cease to exist but one thing we do know is that his love is unfailing. Tell God about you anger like the psalmist from psalm 43.
Ps 43:1-5 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! (2) For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? (3) Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (4) Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. (5) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Remember God won't let you go through this alone. how beautiful is his unfailing love
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 10:33:02 AM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rgod
The thing that got me over the hurdle was reading a book by Philip Yancey called "Disappointment with God."
I just read some of the stuff on Yancey's home page. I do have to say that I can already relate to a lot of stuff about himself and his views of God and prayer in the Q & A section.
I might check this out.
quote:
ORIGINAL: rgod
When you go through something like this, the first thing to go is often our convictoin that God loves us. I learned that regardless of what God allows or doesn't allow in my life, His love for me is still perfect. But I wouldn't be able to say that today, had I not gone through that period.
I pray that you'll find peace with this situation soon. Take care - rgod
This also sounds familiar. I don't see an always loving God that people on this board like to talk about. Thank you.
< Message edited by TorchHeart -- 8/11/2008 10:39:03 AM >
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 10:39:45 AM
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SomeFineDay
Posts: 93
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I don't know if it is anger at God, but a desire for Justice and proof that he is listening and cares and will assist.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 11:06:11 AM
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Theophile2
Posts: 216
Joined: 8/7/2008
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quote:
I don't see an always loving God that people on this board like to talk about. Thank you.
Torchheart - human beings are hurting everyday, and they need to have a place they can work things out within a loving Christian community.
Do you not see the love of Christ coming through the people who post here?
Do you not see the praises given God in many of the posts?
God is not a mean and nasty ogre who's intent is to squash you like a worm.
Read the Bible my dear friend - it is full of the love of God for His people.
Is it possible you misunderstand what it means to be loved by God? It is a mature, agape love, not a milk toast you're OK so I'm OK facade.
Ps 1:1-3 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Jer 32:38-41 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (39) I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. (40) I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. (41) I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.
Heb 12:2-8 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (4) In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. (5) And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. (6) For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." (7) It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (8) If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Blessings to you, Torchheart
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 11:22:21 AM
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terryjohn
Posts: 470
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God knows and the problem lies with us. All my foolishness and sinfulness does come back to bit me as we ashamedly pray it does for those who shamefully use us. Nevertheless, I love the image of faith that says by all means abuse me as you would abuse Christ for if I should but share in His suffering then I might just be able to share in His glory as well.
In faith we get too big for this world sometimes for when those around abuse us it is like a very small child attacking us. All insults become badges of honour in Christ if we are in fact insulted for His love and righteousness sake. If just abused for our own sin then I am forever sorry and repentant. If someone were to call my a dog, I would have to say I am not that good for a dog obeys his masters voice. If someone were to call me a worm, I would say that I would be happy to be the dirt the worm eats.
You see you can only be hurt if you have something to lose. Confess your faults before men (Like in M&Ms film) then men will have nothing bad to acuse you of for you youself are your own acuser. Yes sometimes I hate myself but then I see Christ died for me while I was still a sinner and I am stunned and humbled that God does not hate me and I have given Him good cause to.
I may well be angry that He does not make me better than I am but the necessity of faith and grace amaze me. I do not love God for what He can do for me like some cargo cultist but simply for who He is and His neverending love and understanding.
I have never cried out of love for another but the one time I did was after trying to tell God how much my older sister was suffering because of the very bad choices she herself had made in her life and immediately I heard the words. "I know".
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 12:02:08 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Theophile2
quote:
I don't see an always loving God that people on this board like to talk about. Thank you.
Torchheart - human beings are hurting everyday, and they need to have a place they can work things out within a loving Christian community.
Do you not see the love of Christ coming through the people who post here?
Do you not see the praises given God in many of the posts?
God is not a mean and nasty ogre who's intent is to squash you like a worm.
Read the Bible my dear friend - it is full of the love of God for His people.
I do see it from many of the people on here. I like seeing that. I try to post praises and prayers to God, too (some of which, I'm told, are garbage and shouldn't even be acknowledged). I also see the hurt God is allowing to happen. I understand that some of this is for growth and what have you, but much of it just seems to be out of spite and hate.
I've read the Bible, and I see the same thing in there. Much of the Old Testement deals with God's wrath and vengefulness. He leads the people of Israel out of Egypt after smashing the Egyptions, and then continues to horribly punish the Israelites after they disobey him. And the New Testement I see as more about warnings about avoiding the same from God. In church, I've heard the sermons about how Jesus is out to save us, and how God loves us and wants us to love him. What I read in the Bible, though, and what I see seems to make me think this contradicts what I used to hear in church.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Theophile2
Is it possible you misunderstand what it means to be loved by God? It is a mature, agape love, not a milk toast you're OK so I'm OK facade.
Yes, I think its possible that I don't understand it. I do not, however, really buy into the "agape" or "four flavors of love" bit I've read on here, before.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 12:09:43 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SomeFineDay
I don't know if it is anger at God, but a desire for Justice and proof that he is listening and cares and will assist.
I won't deny that there are people who I would like to have seen God "take care of" for things that happened in the past, and I try to avoid that. But I would thoroughly enjoy seeing it for some of them.
Proof that he's listening and cares would be very nice, too.
I won't deny either of these feelings.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 1:23:02 PM
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LivingParadox
Posts: 818
Joined: 2/28/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
quote:
ORIGINAL: SomeFineDay
I don't know if it is anger at God, but a desire for Justice and proof that he is listening and cares and will assist.
I won't deny that there are people who I would like to have seen God "take care of" for things that happened in the past, and I try to avoid that. But I would thoroughly enjoy seeing it for some of them.
Proof that he's listening and cares would be very nice, too.
I won't deny either of these feelings.
Good, good, get that anger out. But once it's done do you really want God to deal with others the way they deserve or at the foot of the cross like he's dealt with us?
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 1:38:55 PM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 1602
Joined: 6/4/2008
From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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I don't think what I want for them is really postable in this forum.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 3:05:10 PM
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mvic
Posts: 1604
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Hi TorchHeart,
So you're angry with God. Who hasn't at one time or other? And of course He can take it - He took all our anger on the Cross. So your anger (or mine) will not affect Him one bit.
Where do we go from here?
Continue to be angry and bitter about the past? About those who hurt us? About the fact that they did not get punishment and retribution at the way they treated you?
Sure - you can do that. You can continue to be angry. Will it help ... I doubt it.
Let's try to turn all this anger into something positive.
Let's say to God: "Hey there up above ... you know full well how I'm feeling right now! You know what's been happening to me for the past few years. My crushed dreams. The way I've been hurt. And all the bad things that happened to me.
I admit, some may well have been my fault, but not all of them. So give me a break will you? Please ...
I'll try to calm down. Please help me by taking away the pain and hurt I feel. Heal me as you healed so many.
As for those who hurt me ... well, I hand them over to you. I'll do my best to forgive them, whatever that means, and I'll put all the hurt behind me. They're your responsibility now. Deal with them as you see fit. In your own time ..."
I think you get the idea of the prayer I'm suggesting. In your own words, hand over all the hurt and pain to God - and mean it !!! Don't go back in your mind picking again at all the old hurts and pain. Really put them behind you.
This doesn't mean you'll forget them. That's impossible.
You'll always remember the hurt caused to you. Just as Jesus does. Every time He sees the scars on His hands, feet and side He remembers. And He uses these memories to forgive us once again.
Do the same. Everytime you remember the hurt caused to you, forgive those who hurt you. Not once, not twice, not even seventy times seven, but even more than that !!!
God bless.
_____________________________
Visit http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
My Book My Blog
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 5:15:00 PM
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Kat_D
Posts: 3136
Joined: 9/2/2005
From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
What does one do when they're angry with God to the point where they don't even feel like praying to Him? For quite some time now, I've dealt with this. I hate many things that he's brought down into my life, and I'm almost at the point where I think He finds this funny or enjoys making life difficult and/or painful for me. Its come to the point where some nights I lay in bed thinking about things that have happened to me over the past decade or so. I think about dreams that have been crushed, people who have hurt me and never paid for it, stress that I've been put under, areas where I've been treated unfairly or seen friends/family hurt by others where I couldn't do anything... and just tell God how much I hate Him. I know that its wrong to do that, and I always ask for forgiveness afterwards. I try to forgive other's but the memories and feelings always come back. its like I can't get rid of the anger towards them, and that leads towards more frustration towards God?
What pleasure does God get from this? Does God know how angry I am towards him, and does he understand why or even care? Is He making me like this for a reason? How do I deal with this anger towards God?
You have a serious case of what Chuck Swindoll calls, "Ingrown Eyeballs." The cure is to take your eyes off yourself and look out to the needs and hurts of others. That is where you will find healing and restoration for what ails you...
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 11 The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. -Isaiah 58
Oh, and btw, if you'd spend as much time focusing on all the ways God has blessed you as you have on the ways you perceive He has failed you, you likely would never have posted this.
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 5:41:59 PM
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Theophile2
Posts: 216
Joined: 8/7/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
I also see the hurt God is allowing to happen. I understand that some of this is for growth and what have you, but much of it just seems to be out of spite and hate.
Do you suppose that a "loving" God would not "allow" bad things to happen? ... Have you ever read the book of Job?
Do you not understand that we as sinful humans need God's discipline in our lives?
Not knowing what is causing you to hurt so badly, please allow me to take sickness as an example and then draw some conclusions:
The debate over drawn out sickness or infirmity that ensues is none other than the one that Job had with his friends, and what Jesus taught on the subject. If someone is sick or destitute or their life is just filled with all sorts of financial, or relational, or physical, or emotional, or whatever pain, is it because that person is full of unrepented sin?
There is always that possibility. BUT. Job discovered that the reason God allowed him to go through his troubles was actually because it was the only way God knew Job would get out of his little religious rut and come to see God in a whole new light and have a much closer and more personal relationship with Him (Job 42:1-6).
And what did Jesus say about this subject:
Mt 25:34-40 "Then the King shall say to those on His right hand, Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, and fed You? Or thirsty, and gave You drink? When did we see You a stranger, and took You in? Or naked, and clothed You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and came to You? And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me."
Jn 9:2-3 "And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither has this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God might be revealed in him."
Jn 11:3-4 "Then his sisters sent to Him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick. When Jesus heard, He said, This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God might be glorified by it."
And what did the Apostle Paul say about it:
Rom 5:3-4 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, (4) and endurance produces character, and character produces hope (2 Cor 12:9-10;
And James:
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
So here's the deal.
There are two basic reasons God allows any flavor of suffering:
- To draw someone closer to God; either as discipline from sin, or trial in righteousness, or an object lesson for an observer to subsequently change his or her life to seek first the Kingdom of God
- To give someone else the opportunity to serve Christ through that person
And no one on the face of this planet can give you a scripture from the Bible that will tell you which one it is for your circumstances.
In the midst of your trials and tribulations, what is your Christian witness?
TorchHeart ... With gracious and heartfelt tenderness toward you and your situation and as your brother-in-Christ, I would almost think that your problem is not one of being angry with a loving God or even the ability to understand that His ways are not our ways (Is 55:8-9), but one of forgiveness.
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 5:59:30 PM
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truthrevealed
Posts: 329
Joined: 12/6/2007
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Angry with God? disappointed, hurt, questioning His love for me? BTDT. I believe He understands and thru Christ empathizes with our pain(remember the cry from Jesus on the cross?). What would truly concern me are the things we say towards God and how we act in that regard. God is to still be reverenced. I don't think we want to say and do anything that will give the enemy MORE ground...saying out of our mouths that we hate God is inviting the devil to a party he's most happy to attend....or the other way around  . God can handle our upset, but I think the enemy has a plan regarding our upset as well! Be cautious!
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 6:08:00 PM
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Theophile2
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
Yes, I think its possible that I don't understand it. I do not, however, really buy into the "agape" or "four flavors of love" bit I've read on here, before.
I don't want to take this thread beyond your intent from the original post, but three of the four forms of Love in the Greek language are specifically referenced in the NT, only eros is not used.
ἀγάπη (G26) Agape (mature, Divine Love):
1Co 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
φιλέω (G5368) Phileo (Brotherly Love):
Jn 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love (phileo) you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
Eros (Erotic Love)
"The most common word for love in Classical Greek is érōs, which is sexual love — sensual, impulsive, spontaneous … The derivation of agápē is uncertain; it was a colorless word, seldom used by the Greeks, signifying desire for someone or something. Érōs denoted satisfaction sought wherever it could be found, but agápē was selective. It often denoted the divine love specifically sought by human beings."
(Geoffrey W. Bromiley, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1988; 2002), 3:174-175)
Storge (family love)
Of Greek words available, eros (sexual love) does not occur in the NT; phileō, spontaneous natural affection, with more feeling than reason, occurs some 25 times, with philadelphia (brotherly love) 5 times, and philia (friendship) only in James 4:4; storgē, natural affection between kinfolk, appears occasionally in compounds. By far the most frequent word is agapē, generally assumed to mean moral goodwill which proceeds from esteem, principle, or duty, rather than attraction or charm. Agapē means to love the undeserving, despite disappointment and rejection
(Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Map on Lining Papers. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 1357)
... Storge is used in the negative sense in the NT:
Ro 1:31; 2Ti 3:3 ἄστοργος ástorgos (G794)
Blessings ...
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RE: Angry with God - 8/11/2008 6:32:09 PM
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Dancre
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I'm not trying to be mean or sadistic, so please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not attacking, just stating some facts. But I think you need to see what's really going on here. So here we go. :)
You said:
Its come to the point where some nights I lay in bed thinking about things that have happened | | |
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. And I'm not a violent person (plus I'm a girl). All I can say is thank God for the blood of Jesus which covers all sin. And I'm thankful that God forgives. The thing that got me over the hurdle was reading a book by Philip Yancey called "Disappointment with God." It was the only book that I read that really addressed this issue for me and helped me to understand how to respond to trials and disappointments in life. 
