When You’re Angry at God: Wrestling with Faith and Surrender

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.

Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

Anger Toward God

In this week’s episode, we talked about a topic many believers quietly wrestle with but rarely admit out loud: feeling angry toward God.

When Anger at God Surfaces

As believers, we often think, “I would never be angry at God.” Yet, when life doesn’t go the way we hoped—when loss, disappointment, or confusion strike—it can happen before we realize it.

Romans 9:20 says,

“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’”

That verse is a strong reminder of who God is and who we are not. He is holy, righteous, and perfect. Still, the truth is—anger happens. So what do we do when we find ourselves frustrated or hurt by God’s plan?

Understanding Anger and the Heart Behind It

Anger itself is an emotion—one that God created. But as John Piper once said, “Emotions are not morally neutral.” Some are commanded (like love and joy), while others are forbidden (like bitterness or envy).

We see examples throughout Scripture of people wrestling with God:

• Jacob wrestled with Him through the night.

• Job questioned God about his suffering.

• David was angry when God struck down Uzzah.

• Jonah grew bitter when God showed mercy to Nineveh.

  
  

The problem isn’t necessarily that these emotions arise—it’s what we do with them. Anger toward God reveals something deeper: a heart that doesn’t agree with how He’s handling a situation. When we’re angry, we’re often saying (even silently), “God, I don’t like what You’re doing.”

That’s not an easy thing to admit—but honesty before the Lord is the first step toward healing.

The Real Issue: A Matter of Trust and Perspective

Anger often comes from unmet expectations, grief, comparison, or suffering. We question why God allowed something to happen or why someone else seems blessed in an area where we struggle.

But as we discussed in this episode, how we respond makes all the difference. Wrestling with God can actually be healthy when it drives us toward Him rather than away from Him.

When we bring our questions, grief, and pain to the Lord in prayer and Scripture, we invite Him into the process of healing. But when we turn away, we leave room for bitterness and disbelief to take root.

As Ephesians 4:26–27 warns,

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

Wrestling Leads to Deeper Intimacy

In seasons of suffering or loss, it’s natural to feel the tension between faith and frustration. Yet through that wrestling, God reveals the idols of our hearts—the things we’ve elevated above Him.

One of us shared a personal story about loss and realizing that what felt like grief was actually tied to idolatry. When something or someone becomes our source of fulfillment, losing it can expose misplaced worship. But God, in His mercy, uses even our pain to draw us closer.

As Jesus said in John 15:2,

“Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

What feels like punishment may actually be pruning. And pruning, while painful, leads to growth and deeper intimacy with the Father.

Learning to Trust His Will

When we’re hurting, surrender often feels impossible—but it’s the very thing that brings peace. Matthew 16:15 records Jesus asking His disciples,

“But who do you say I am?”

When we declare, “You are my God,” we are also saying, “I trust You, even when I don’t understand.”

Author Lysa TerKeurst once said,

“God, You are good. You are good to me. And You are good at being God. Therefore, before my feet hit the floor, I exchange my will for Yours.”

That kind of surrender changes everything. Because His will is always our best case scenario—even when it doesn’t look like it.

Moving Forward in Faith

If you recognize anger or frustration toward God in your own heart, don’t hide it. He already knows. Instead:

1. Bring it to Him in prayer. Tell Him honestly how you feel.

2. Ground yourself in Scripture. Let His truth reshape your thoughts.

3. Shift your perspective. Remember that His pruning is for your good.

4. Trust His timing. You see one piece of the puzzle—He holds the whole picture.

Even Jesus, in His humanity, cried out from the cross,

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

He understands your pain. And just like Christ entrusted Himself to the Father’s plan, we too are invited to trust—even in the unknown.

Final Thoughts

Anger toward God doesn’t disqualify you from His love. It’s an opportunity to bring your heart honestly before Him, to confess, and to grow. He wants your authenticity, not your perfection.

Job, Joseph, David—all experienced deep suffering, but their stories remind us that God’s plan is always redemptive.

So when you find yourself asking “Why, Lord?”, remember: you may be holding a single flower, while He’s preparing a whole bouquet. 🌸

Trust that He is good, He is sovereign, and He knows what He’s doing—even when you don’t.

🎧 Listen to Episode 15: "Anger Toward God" https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CJLivUdC42FdVvQJ52gqp?si=v4t__shaQiyuqs7T6hGmrA

📍 Visit us in downtown Fargo: 21 8th St S Fargo, ND 58103

📩 Need prayer? Reach out—your burden doesn't have to be carried alone.