Am I Right to Be Angry?
Don’t Blame God When Life Gets Hard
It’s easy to praise God when life is going well. But when hardship strikes—whether through suffering, loss, betrayal, or disappointment—many are quick to ask, “Why would God let this happen?” Some become bitter, blaming Him for their pain. But is that the right response?
God Is Not the Author of Evil
We must remember that God is holy, just, and good. The Bible clearly teaches that He does not tempt or cause anyone to sin. James reminds us:
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”
— James 1:13 NKJV
Much of the pain in this world comes as a result of free will—our choices or the choices of others. God created us with the ability to choose, and while that freedom allows for love and obedience, it also opens the door to rebellion, sin, and consequences.
Jonah: A Lesson in Misplaced Anger
When God showed mercy to Nineveh after their repentance, Jonah became angry. He didn’t want them to receive compassion. But notice how God gently corrected him:
“Then the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’”
— Jonah 4:4 NKJV
Jonah, like many of us, let his emotions cloud his understanding of God’s character. He forgot the same mercy God had shown him. How often do we do the same?
We must be willing to pause and ask ourselves in hard moments, “Am I right to be angry?” Are we overlooking the bigger picture—God’s mercy, His long-term plans, and His purpose through trials?
Don’t Let Circumstances Blind You to God’s Faithfulness
When life is hard, our view becomes narrow. Emotions rise, and we begin to forget all the ways God has been faithful. But scripture calls us to remember:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases…”
— Psalm 103:2–3 NKJV
God has never promised a life without trials. In fact, Jesus said plainly:
“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
— John 16:33 NKJV
Trials are not proof that God has failed us—they are often opportunities to grow in faith, endurance, and closeness to Him (James 1:2–4). Instead of blaming God, we can seek His help, trust His wisdom, and remember His promises.
Selfishness Can Cloud Our Judgment
Sometimes we become so focused on our own desires or expectations that when they aren't met, we blame God. We may think He owes us comfort or success. But the truth is, God has already given us more than we deserve—mercy, grace, and salvation through Christ.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23 NKJV
Let’s not let temporary hardship make us forget eternal mercy.
Trust in His Goodness
When things go wrong, don’t rush to blame God. Instead, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself:
“Am I right to be angry?”
Let us strive to trust in God’s goodness, even in pain. Let us remember His blessings, even in trial. And let us thank Him for His mercy, which is constant even when our circumstances are not.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
— Proverbs 3:5–6 NKJV