“Is the Bible relevant today?” Stories from hundreds of years ago, weird names, suuuuper long chapters. It doesn’t always feel relevant. But to read Scripture is another way for God to provide comfort, clarity, and wisdom. Scripture meditations like this one can help you figure out how to get started reading the Bible.

I’m Upset At God

It’s normal to get angry sometimes. We might feel frustrated with our parents for pushing us too hard or at our boss for not considering our ideas. We might even get angry at God. After all, he’s the one who promises to be faithful, and sometimes, it feels like the opposite is true. 

Getting angry at God seems like it should be sinful, but it’s actually not. What we do with our anger can be sinful. Turning from God due to our anger isn’t good, but he also doesn’t ask us to forget about our feelings and act like nothing’s wrong. 

In Numbers 11, Moses is angry at God for burdening him with what he feels like is too much, and he tells God that. God doesn’t punish him for sharing his feelings; he listens to what Moses has to say and then lovingly responds. 

God wants to be the first person we turn to with our feelings because he wants us to share every piece of ourselves with him. It’s hard to talk to God sometimes, especially when we’re mad at him, but it’s important because it invites him to relieve us of the burden we’re carrying. 

Numbers 11:10-11

10 Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. 11 He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?”

Observations from the Text

• We all can get angry sometimes (v. 10)
• When we do get mad, we should first and foremost turn to God (v. 11)
• We’re allowed to ask God questions (v. 11)
• God listens to our frustrations with him (v. 11)

Prayers of Response

Heavenly Father, I’m sorry I turned away from you when I was angry about  ______. 

Patient God, thank you for being gracious with me when I ignore you in moments of anger.

Prayer Requests

Lord who Listens, help me to talk to you, instead of avoiding you, when I’m feeling angry.

Gracious Father, when I don’t handle  ______ well, remind me of your grace and forgiveness for me.

Prayers of Readiness

Holy Spirit, the next time I get angry about ______, I’ll try my best to discuss those feelings with you. 

Jesus, when I don’t get an answer from you, I pray I don’t lose hope and still keep turning to you.

Reading the Bible through Scripture meditations can be an easy way of connecting with God each day. For more Scripture meditations, visit this page!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™