Today a client talked about how angry she is at God. God must be causing the depression and trials in her life. “He’s sovereign, isn’t He?”
This kind of question presupposes that since God is sovereign – He must be the cause of suffering. It is true that God is sovereign. It is also true that God does not cause evil. He allows trials and suffering to come into our lives. Sometimes, He uses trials to chasten and discipline His children. But, what did Jesus say to the Pharisees who asked when someone born blind was before them: Who sinned? This man or his parents?
Jesus said, this condition was not caused by sin but, the purpose of it was to bring glory to God.
Jesus always confronted the Jews with “truth” which shut their mouths and challenged their “all or nothing” thinking. Then, Jesus healed the man.
So, what can we say about depression and trials? Could it be that these troubles are just a part of living in a broken world filled with sin and evil? Could it be that when a measure of healing comes through prayer and faith – that, once again, glory will be given to God?
So, how can we be angry at God – the Healer? Ultimately, we may be angry – but, it is disappointment that life is just not going the way we thought it would. And we can pour out our anger to God as Naomi did… “don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara which means ‘bitter’ because the Lord’s hand has gone out against me.” She said this after losing both her sons and her husband. She then, went about life doing God’s will and givnig directions to Ruth as to how to survive. God blessed her in the end.
This kind of question presupposes that since God is sovereign – He must be the cause of suffering. It is true that God is sovereign. It is also true that God does not cause evil. He allows trials and suffering to come into our lives. Sometimes, He uses trials to chasten and discipline His children. But, what did Jesus say to the Pharisees who asked when someone born blind was before them: Who sinned? This man or his parents?
Jesus said, this condition was not caused by sin but, the purpose of it was to bring glory to God.
Jesus always confronted the Jews with “truth” which shut their mouths and challenged their “all or nothing” thinking. Then, Jesus healed the man.
So, what can we say about depression and trials? Could it be that these troubles are just a part of living in a broken world filled with sin and evil? Could it be that when a measure of healing comes through prayer and faith – that, once again, glory will be given to God?
So, how can we be angry at God – the Healer? Ultimately, we may be angry – but, it is disappointment that life is just not going the way we thought it would. And we can pour out our anger to God as Naomi did… “don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara which means ‘bitter’ because the Lord’s hand has gone out against me.” She said this after losing both her sons and her husband. She then, went about life doing God’s will and givnig directions to Ruth as to how to survive. God blessed her in the end.
How can we continue to be angry at the only One Who is able to help us? Let not your anger turn into unbelief. Pour out your hurt and anger to God but, keep believing. Keep trusting He will bring glory out of the situation you find yourself in. Read more about understanding suffering.
© copyright 2005 by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC
~ Lynette is a Marriage and Family Counselor with CounselCare Connection, National Certified Counselor, Anger Management Specialist-IV and Diplomate with the National Anger Management Association. She is the co-author of What’s Good About Anger? and a speaker for community, women’s and church organizations.