Being Open With God
If you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard preachers, family, or friends say, “You can talk to God about anything.” That’s true, but there’s one thing many people believe you can’t do: be angry at God or express anger to Him. Some say it’s wrong or even sinful to bring your frustration before Him, but Scripture tells a different story. Throughout the Bible, we see people who poured out their raw emotions to God, and time and time again, Jesus welcomes those with heavy, burdened hearts.
Faith Doesn’t Erase Frustration
Following God comes with a cost, but not in a negative way. It’s not that following Jesus is bad; it’s that it’s real. The road is full of highs and lows. It’s easy to praise God when life goes your way. It’s easy to post a verse or say, “God is good,” when the breakthrough comes on your timeline (which, let’s be honest, rarely happens).
But what about when it doesn’t? When it feels like God isn’t moving for you while blessing everyone else? When your prayers seem unanswered and your life feels like it’s unraveling piece by piece? Those moments can stir up sadness, confusion, doubt, and yes, anger, and that’s okay.
When Life Feels Like Job’s Story
No one enjoys losing things or walking through trials. I’ve never met anyone who said, “I love that my life is falling apart.” But hardship comes for everyone, and with it often comes anger, grief, and brokenness. Think of Job, a man who had it all, until one day he didn’t. Piece by piece, his world collapsed. He lost his wealth, his health, and even the support of his wife. Can you imagine how he felt? Frustrated. Hopeless. Angry. Maybe even questioning God.
Do you ever feel like that? When dreams fade, finances tighten, or your strength feels gone, what emotions do you bring to God? Here’s a reminder: God already knows how you feel. So bring it to Him. Ugly or beautiful, He can handle it.
Real Honesty Builds Real Relationship
Sometimes we think it’s disrespectful to express frustration toward God, but often, the opposite is true. God would rather you bring Him your honest emotions than hide behind false composure. Openness doesn’t destroy your relationship with Him; it strengthens it.
There’s a difference between being angry at God and expressing anger to God. One pushes Him away; the other invites Him in. I’ve been there; angry, confused, even shouting prayers that were more tears than words. Yet every time I was honest with God, He drew me closer. If you still wonder whether it’s okay to express your anger to God, look at these examples:
- David: Psalm 89: 46
- Habakkuk: 1:2
- Moses: Numbers 11:11
- Job: Job 7 (read the entire chapter)
Anger is a normal emotion. What matters is what you do with it. God invites honesty, not perfection. We all have moments when we question His presence or His decisions, especially when others receive blessings we’ve prayed for. It’s human. But I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to read Job 38–42. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s ways are higher than ours. We see a picture, but He sees the picture.
When Comparison Kills Your Faith
So let’s stop comparing. Someone else’s highlight reel doesn’t define your worth or your timing. Just because someone posts Scripture, has a cross tattoo, or shares worship music doesn’t mean they’re truly walking with God. The Bible reminds us not to envy the wicked or idolize temporary success. Just because someone seems to have it all: the money, the relationship, the house, the travel lifestyle, the fame, the cars, the clout, or the success, doesn’t mean they’re living in alignment with God.
Have you ever stopped to wonder if they’re truly following Him, or just using His name for image? If God were to return today and they stood before Him, and He denied them, would their possessions bring them comfort?
Now flip that question. If you had everything you ever wanted: success, money, influence, and recognition, but no relationship with God, and He returned today and said, “I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers,” would those possessions still make you feel important? Would they comfort you? Or would they suddenly feel empty?
You’re Not Behind. You’re Right on Time
Don’t be ashamed to bring your frustrations before God. It doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t make you faithless. It makes you real. You might feel behind, but you’re right on time. I tend to strive to remind myself of that truth daily. Keep your eyes off the storm and fixed on the One who calms it.
If you feel like there’s nothing left to do, pray. My mother once told me, “Keep praying, and leave the outcome to God.” That’s stuck with me.
Obedience is our responsibility. The outcome is God’s responsibility.
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’” Judges 6:12
