God Is Not Mad at You God loves you. You may have heard it a thousand times, and it is a common theme in Christianity. But do you believe it? Many of the messages we hear every day (from both society and the church) tell you the exact opposite.
As a result, millions of people from all backgrounds have bought into the idea that God is not only angry but also that He’s angry with them. This belief is damaging countless lives. In Why Is God So Mad at Me? Pat Schatzline sets the record straight, introducing you to a God who accepts us, transforms us, renews us, and gives us a future filled with abundant blessing and opportunity.
This book is all about how God is not mad at you when you go through hard times but that he loves you and he is mad about you. Everyone has to go through hard times in life, that is how you learn and grow as a person.
How many times can you recall someone making a comment about how God must be mad at them? Not many of us are immune to this line of thinking. Why is that? According to this author, there is a multitude of ways people can have their views of God mangled. The author outlines nine reasons why some believe that God is mad at them.
This book is divided into four parts. Part One discusses the author's first three observations by which people allow themselves to be convinced that God hates them. To many of us it's obvious that culture plays a large role in the development of misinformation about God. However, it is the third reason the author spends the bulk of his time developing. He believes the way we perceive our earthly father heavily influences our beliefs about God.
For that reason, all of Part Two is dedicated to ten chapters where each one explores a facet of God's character in contrast to common misperceptions many harbor about Him. Some of the topics include: The Absentee Father, God allows us to choose (even unwisely), and God does not think the way we do. One third of the book's volume emphasizes the importance of knowing God's character.
The author very effectively pinpoints the root to the question, "Why is God So Mad at Me?"The reason why this book dwells on God's nature and character is to give the reader access to the foundational beliefs that will bring peace of heart and mind in dealing with the important question above. I agree with the author that once we truly know God as He is portrayed in the Bible, the question is answered once and for all. My advice to the readers is to get this book, study it and meditate on its content, study the Bible to discover what God is truly like, and put that understanding into practice.
Part Three continues with six other means by which we form our beliefs about God. Part Four reminds me of the words, "Go thou and do likewise." Once we have gotten our belief system aligned with God's Word and our thoughts fixed on the Lord Jesus, it's time to put it all into motion. The author offers his readers encouragement and advice.
One of my favorite chapters is "Terrible Things Have Happened to Me." Most of us at one time or another can relate to this rationale for thinking God is mad at us. The author holds out several gold nuggets of wisdom for us to take to heart such as, "God wants us to allow what we have been through to move us into a deeper relationship with Him." And, "Many times it is in the waiting that we realize that God was actually working it all out for us." For me, these were great reminders to attempt to look at our circumstances from God's point of view, looking for a deeper purpose in our suffering. What a great thing to meditate upon.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who desires to overcome the mindset that God is mad at us. The fact is...it simply isn't true. But do you know why? Delve into this book to find out.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this commentary from Charisma House Book Group through their Booketeria reader program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I originally chose this book because Pat Schatzline has spoken at our church on many occasions. I have never felt God was mad at me but thought maybe I would get valuable insight into the thoughts of others. I really did learn much from this book! The passion he has to really open the eyes of others to the unconditional love of God comes through on every page.