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Job was angry, and he had a right to be. God had allowed him almost every loss possible on this earth. Job was poor, sick, and in deep grief, yet his friends sat around for days, accusing him of sin and pretending they themselves were without fault. Job finally said, "The hand of God has struck me" (19:21). He complained that even "my breath is offensive to my wife (19:17). In fact, this whole chapter is one long complaint, except for five verses. In those verses is one of the most lofty statements of hope in all the Old Testament—the hope of seeing God face to face.

So yes, be angry at God if you must. Tell him what you're angry about. Use all the poetic language you want. God isn't injured by your anger. But don't forget who he is. One day you'll see God face to face—despite your anger—so long for that moment when everything, even life's suffering, will be erased by his presence. (See also Numbers 20:1-13; Psalm 10; Habakkuk 1:2-5.)

Good Words to Remember:
Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book! That they were engraved on a rock with an iron pen and lead, forever! For I know that my Redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:23-27

Today's Challenge:
How do you treat God when you're angry?

Bible Studies to Help You Go Deeper