Psalm 37:8 Psalm 37:8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil.
Majority of flaccid Christians, agonists and antagonists are angry with God. Psychologist Julie Exline says that about 2/3rd of people are angry with God in response to challenges or calamities that they face. “Anger with God” is like yelling at the sun to stop shining”. God’s faithfulness will never fail even if we falter. God gets the blame for all sickness, storms and suffering. God is not the author of evil. He is the one who turns evil to good. The demons insinuate anger against God and bask under the boiling rage of insolent people. Anger, rage and wrath against God will only lead to evil.
However, is it wrong for people to react in anger with God when they have prayed for a healing and they have not received it? Is it unfair if people respond in hostility to God when they lose a loved one or their dream job? Is it wrong to be angry about your childhood abuse? When hope is crushed, the heart is crushed, but a wish come true fills you with joy (Proverbs 13:12). Waiting can make the heart grow faint or faithful but how we wait will determine if we become faithful or frenzy.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the young Hebrew exiles in Babylon were threatened by hot-tempered King Nebuchadnezzar. These young men bragged confidently to the furious king that their God is able to deliver them. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18). On hearing the king who was infuriated with rage threw them into the furnace.
Three lessons from the teenage boys:
1. Mind: The three boys stood against the most powerful authority on earth unthreatened at the fatal verdict as they were the ‘sons’ of the living God. For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons (Romans 8:14). The difference between ‘children’ and ‘sons’ is that children throw tantrums if they don’t get what they want but sons understand the Father’s hearts. Sons discern that God is fighting for them in the spiritual realm even in crucible circumstances. Understanding the mind of God is a mark of maturity that keeps us serene and still.
2. Manipulate: The teenage boys did not manipulate God with their ‘integrity’. They did not say because we were faithful God is going to strike the king with blindness. The outcome of the catastrophe had no impact on their faith. Faith swallows all manipulations and gives no suggestions to God.
3. Mystery: When we allow God to be God, we will never be angry with Him. If we choose to lean on God’s heart, even when we don’t understand, we will never be angry with him. His ways are mysterious.
Trusting that God will ultimately work the good, bad and ugly for our good, will keep us serene and secure.
Romans 11:34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”.
Prayer: Father God, when I don’t understand what you are doing, I will choose to trust in your faithfulness. Amen
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