God’s Truth About Anger—And His Presence in Our Pain"

 

Sermon: "God’s Truth About Anger—And His Presence in Our Pain"

Scripture Focus: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." — Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)

Opening:

Anger is a natural human emotion—one that even Jesus expressed (Mark 3:5). But what does God say about it? How do we, as believers, handle anger, especially when it rises from pain, frustration, or the challenges of living with disabilities? Today, we’ll explore God’s wisdom on anger, relate it to an Old Testament example, and remember this truth: Even in our anger, God is with us.

1. Anger Is Not Sin—But How We Handle It Matters

God’s Word doesn’t condemn anger itself but warns us against letting it control us. Ephesians 4:26-27 acknowledges anger but cautions us not to let it fester into bitterness or sin. For many of us with disabilities, anger can flare in moments of suffering—when pain feels unbearable, when medical treatments seem endless, or when our bodies limit us. I’ve been there too: lying in bed, frustrated, asking God, "Why must I go through this again?"

But here’s the grace: God understands. Jesus wept (John 11:35). He cried out in anguish (Matthew 27:46). Our anger doesn’t shock Him—but He invites us to bring it to Him.

2. Learning from Jonah: Anger in Suffering

In the Old Testament, Jonah knew anger well. After God spared Nineveh, Jonah "became angry" (Jonah 4:1). He even said, "I am angry enough to die" (v. 9). Why? Because things didn’t go as he wanted. God responded with a question: "Is it right for you to be angry?" (v. 4).

Jonah’s story mirrors our struggles. We may rage at our bodies, at doctors, even at God when life feels unfair. But God doesn’t scold Jonah for his emotion—He engages him. He asks Jonah to reflect, just as He asks us: "Where is your anger leading you? Closer to Me, or further into despair?"

3. The Anchor in the Storm: God Is With Us

When pain or frustration ignites anger, we must remember:

God hears us. Like David, we can cry, "How long, O Lord?" (Psalm 13:1).

God redeems our pain. Romans 8:28 reminds us He works all things for good.

God offers peace. Philippians 4:6-7 urges us to pray instead of stewing in rage.

Closing Challenge:

Next time anger rises—when the pain is sharp, the wait is long, or the treatment feels endless—pause. Ask, "God, what are You teaching me here?" Pour out your heart like Jonah, like David, but then let Him answer. Don’t let anger steal your hope. You are not alone. The God who walked with Jonah in his frustration walks with you in your pain.

Prayer:

Father, when anger burns in us, remind us of Your nearness. Help us to release our rage into Your hands and trust Your plan—even when it’s hard. Thank You for loving us in our storms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

—Tylia L. Flores