Is it wrong to be frustrated with God?

Response

Frustration is the feeling of impatience and anxiety that arises when we perceive our needs are not being fulfilled or when we encounter seemingly insurmountable challenges. At times, our impatience and discontent are directed towards God, leading to frustration with Him. This frustration with God, His methods, and His interactions with us can pose a hurdle for Christians. We may wonder why God, who could easily resolve the issue, chooses not to intervene. We may question His whereabouts when we are in need. It is common for Christians to experience frustration towards the Lord for various reasons at some point in their lives.

The story of Martha serves as an illustration (Luke 10:38-42). During Jesus’ visit to her home, Martha desired to prepare a lavish meal for Him. The scripture mentions that she “was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.” Meanwhile, Martha’s sister, Mary, “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” Engrossed in her tasks, Martha felt entitled to assistance in the kitchen, leading to her frustration boiling over. She approached Jesus and inquired, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” It is noteworthy that Martha was frustrated both with Mary for not assisting and with the Lord for permitting Mary to be “idle.” Jesus reassured His friend: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord replied, ‘you are worried and upset about many things.'” He then utilized the moment to impart a lesson on being calm and acknowledging God cf: Psalm 46:10—a lesson we tend to overlook when faced with frustration.

Another renowned account is that of Jonah. He, too, experienced frustration with the Lord. Jonah received a message from God, but he was displeased with its content (Jonah 1:1-3a). After reluctantly conveying God’s message to the Ninevites, Jonah was convinced that they would disregard it, anticipating the gratification of witnessing their consequences.

Slaughtered by a vengeful God. To Jonah’s chagrin, the Ninevites responded with repentance and humility toward God (Jonah 3:5-10). Jonah was frustrated. His sense of justice conflicted with God’s mercy. To make matters worse, the leafy plant under which Jonah had been taking shade was withered by God, leaving Jonah exposed to the blazing sun “But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.”, (Jonah 4:7). Jonah’s frustration mounted to the point of wanting to die “And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.”, (Jonah 4:9). God had to remind His angry prophet that his perspective was wrong: Jonah cared more for an insentient plant than for a great city full of people. Frustration can cloud our vision and choke our compassion.

Is it wrong to be frustrated with God? Yes, it is. Frustration is a product of our sinful human nature. Frustration with God could be evidence of a lack of trust in Him or a misunderstanding of who He is. If God is perfect—and the Bible says He is “As for God, his way is perfect: The word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”, (Psalm 18:30)—then He has perfect intentions, perfect timing, perfect methods, and perfect results. As we focus our minds on the Lord and trust in Him, we will know peace, not frustration “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”, (Isaiah 26:3).

Our frustration with God could be a byproduct of our own stubbornness. WWhen our aspirations clash with God’s intentions, we will naturally be disappointed. It is never wise to oppose God. Saul of Tarsus learned this lesson the hard way, and Jesus had to remind him, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” «And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. », (Acts 26:14). A simple prayer of humble submission provides much greater comfort than stubbornly insisting on our own plans.

God instructs earthly fathers, “Do not exasperate your children” «Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. », (Colossians 3:21). Certainly, God does not desire to exasperate His own children. When we experience frustration with God, it is due to a lack of understanding on our part, not any deficiency on God’s part. The most effective way to address frustration with God is to submit to His will, embrace His timing, and trust in His goodness. “Cast all your anxiety [and your impatience and frustration] on him because he cares for you” «casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. », (1 Peter 5:7).