“God said, ‘What do you have to be angry about?’” (Jonah 4:3-6 MSG)
How does God respond to anger?
Jonah’s anger. In the story of Jonah, Jonah was so angry that he spouted off some pretty foul words to God, “So, God, if you won’t kill them, kill me! I’m better off dead!” Even though Jonah had just experience God’s deliverance from death, he was begging to die.
God responded to Jonah with a question: “What do you have to be angry about?”
Once again, God offered Jonah another chance to do the right thing.
Maybe you can’t relate to Jonah’s words and emotions, but I can. And I think I might be in good company.
Elijah’s fear. I remember another servant of God who sat under a broom tree and prayed to die, because he was so frustrated. As Elijah ran for his own life, he cried out to God. “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” (1 Kings 19:4 MSG)
I never really understood why Elijah asked God to kill him. If he really wanted to die, he could just stop running and let his enemies do the job for him. But like Jonah and Elijah, we often don’t make much sense when our emotions are out of control.
But I do understand Elijah’s fear. If I’d heard someone wanted to kill me, I’d be afraid, too.
Yet, inside Elijah’s hiding place, the Lord asked him, “So Elijah, what are you doing here?” (1 Kings 19:9)
So, Elijah poured out all his frustrations to the Lord. And God answered Elijah with new direction—another chance.
God’s forgiveness. I can relate to Jonah—I’ve been angry at God for asking me to offer forgiveness to someone, especially if I’d witnessed the effects of that person’s ungodly deeds.
In fact, I have gone into hiding many times in my frustration. And I’ve made some pretty ridiculous statements in my anger. But nothing makes a lot of sense when my emotions get out of control.
Yet, like Jonah and Elijah, when I look into the mirror of God’s Word, the truth penetrates my anxious soul with heart-rending questions. “So (Karen), what are you doing here? What do you have to be angry about?”
In that intimate place of conviction and confession—admitting my own anger, fear, and unforgiveness—I discover God’s love, guidance, and forgiveness.
Photo/KarenJordan
So (your name), what are you doing here? What do you have to be angry about?
