A Devotional on Psalm 13:Is it a Sin to Be Angry at God?

BySierra
365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 69

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Devotional

Psalm 13:1-2

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

Mental Health Insight – Have you ever been angry at God and ignored it? In psychology, emotional suppression is where one is actively pushing away emotions they are aware of, unwilling to acknowledge them. When we become angry with God, oftentimes one will experience spiritual masking due to feeling as if being angry is “sinful” or “dangerous”. However, research has shown that suppressing anger doesn’t make it go away, instead it becomes stored in the body. This can cause increased cortisol levels, blood pressure spikes, and spiritual plateaus. Acknowledging one’s anger can be the first step in overcoming it, rather than suppressing it. 

Faith Connection – One might think that true faith is unwavering certainty, but when we look at the book of Psalms we get a very different picture. Over one third, yes one THIRD, of the psalms are laments. But what are laments? Well they are passionate expressions of grief, regret, or deep sorrow expressed through mournful songs or complaints. When looking throughout scripture we can see many individuals, including David in Psalm 13:1-2, giving their most authentic raw emotions. We might think that God might not want to see, hear, or deal with our anger but I beg to challenge that. For what makes us think that a creation could ever have, do, or struggle with anything greater than our Creator. So go to God with your anger. Go to Him with all your deep, heavy, and maybe even ugly emotions at times. He can handle it and welcomes it. 

Reflection Question: If you dropped the “mask” today, what is the one specific thing you are most frustrated with God about?

Prayer: Lord, I am tired of pretending. Today, I bring You my raw, unfiltered anger. I feel forgotten, and I feel like the “math” of my life isn’t adding up to Your promises. Thank You that You aren’t fragile and that my big emotions don’t scare You or push You away. Help me to sit in this honesty until I am ready to see Your face again. Amen.

Book Recommendations

Angry with God: An Honest Journey Through Suffering and Betrayal” by Brad Hambrick

Written by a clinical counselor, this is perhaps the best evidence-based resource for processing “spiritual hurt” without falling into despair.

click here to purchase Angry with God

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Closing Thoughts

You have completed Day 69 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. Hello you beautiful souls! I hope you enjoyed today’s devotion. Just remember God can handle your anger and there is no shame in being angry! I pray you welcome God to draw close to you in this journey

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Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student 

Disclaimer

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.