Recently 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. The Bible does teach that God is sovereign. But, the Bible teaches that God is not the author of evil. The Bible also teaches that God allows trials and suffering to come into our lives. Often, He uses trials to refine, 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, was allowed for the purpose of bringing glory to God. Then, Jesus healed the man.
So, what can we say about depression and the trials of life? 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?
And how can we be angry at God – the Creator, the Healer? Ultimately, we may be angry – but, it is disappointment that life is just not going the way we thought it would and it is a misunderstanding of how God works in a world filled with sin.
Consider how godly people approached the trials and troubles of life. We can pour out our anger to God as Naomi did in the Old Testament book of Ruth. She said, “don’t call me Naomi. Call me Mara (which means ‘bitter’) because the Lord’s hand has gone out against me.” She said this while lamenting the death her sons and husband to her friends. Naomi made the decision to move forward with her life and continued to do God’s will, giving survival lessons to Ruth (her Moabitess daughter-in-law) who had followed her back to Israel. God blessed Naomi – sending Boaz as the kinsmen redeemer who married Ruth. Ruth, a Gentile, had a son Obed with Boaz and was grafted into the lineage of Jesus Christ! In the end, Naomi became a happy Grandmother!
How can we continue to be angry at the only One Who is able to help us? May I implore you to not let your anger turn into unbelief. Pour out your hurt and anger to God but, keep believing. Keep trusting He will bring glory and purpose, building your character because of the situation you find yourself in. Read more about understanding suffering and more about how to Keep Believing .
© copyright 2007 by Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC
~ Lynette J. Hoy, NCC, LCPC is a Diplomate with AAAMP; the President of CounselCare Connection, P.C. and the What’s Good About Anger Institute blog, podcasts and resources