Helpful Verses to Pray When You are Frustrated and Angry

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Do you ever feel like the world is drowning in frustration and anger?

Just turn on the news or spend a little time on social media and you’d start to believe that frustrated and angry appears to be the mood of the day.

Add to that moms and dads being confined at home with their restless children of all ages and … well, need I say more. The truth is feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration are flooding over many of us.

Psychologists will tell you that fear and anxiety often express themselves as anger. So, I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised that we’re seeing a more open expression as people vent their frustration and discontent.

And of course…

We all want to justify our anger. Everyone wants to believe their anger is “righteous.” It makes us feel better to use the verses that talk about times Jesus expressed anger to justify our own emotional rants.

But I wonder how often I label my anger as “righteous” when it’s really “self-righteous?” I wonder how often I’m outraged because things aren’t going the way I believe they should or because I believe a worldly lie that has nothing at all to do with “righteousness.”

God created us with emotions and here in this sin-filled world anger is one of them. On this side of heaven, there will always be times when you and I feel frustrated and angry. It’s a given! As we said, even Jesus got angry at moments.

But…

Jesus was able to be angry without sinning. He had perfect discernment to know people’s hearts and minds, motives, and attitudes. We don’t! So, we need to take a careful look at what God’s Word says to know how He wants us to react when our negative emotions begin to boil over.

Because . . . it’s okay to be angry but it’s not okay to impulsively act on or hold on to our anger.

I’m going to God’s Word and prayer today . . . asking for the Lord’s help to know, trust, and obey His will when it comes to handling my frustration and anger.

Verses to Pray When You Are Frustrated and Angry

You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them.

Nehemiah 9:17

Father, Your Word says “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23) It says that sin angers You. (Romans 6:23) Yet, it also tells us You are full of love, grace, and mercy. (2 John 1:3) And that because of Your love, grace, and mercy, Jesus suffered our punishment for us.

You faithfully show us Your patience and unfailing love. You are a God of forgiveness. You did not abandon Your people long ago and You will not abandon Your children today. Thank you for showing us the way to be angry without sinning. Thank you for Your overwhelming life-changing love.

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

Psalm 4:4

Father, You understand anger. I believe You gave us our emotions and I believe You want me to be angry about evil, injustice, and sin but You don’t want me to sin when I’m angry.

May I follow Your example and let love be the force that guides me. Please forgive me for the times I’ve hurt someone through angry words or actions. And by the power of Your Spirit, grant me the gift of patience that I might come to You in prayer when I’m angry asking for Your guidance that I might know how to address the issue in love without adding to the problem in frustration. And like You, help me let go of my anger and quickly forgive. Help me, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. 

Proverbs 15:1

Father, give me a gentle answer that comes from a tender heart when frustration overwhelms me and my mind fills with the unkind words I’d like to speak. Please help me remember to put relationships ahead of self-righteousness. Help me respond gently and forgive quickly. Help me love like Jesus. Amen.

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Ephesians 4:26

Father, I’ll admit, it’s hard to remember that I don’t have to allow my emotions to control me. Feelings are a gift from You and many of them help me enjoy life’s experiences. Things like love, happiness, enthusiasm, and hope. But negative emotions like fear, hate, grief, and anger are also part of this life . . . feelings introduced when sin entered the world.

Satan still tempts us with doubt. Overwhelms us with frustration. And incites us with anger. Please forgive my failures and weakness, and help me stand against the enemy by overcoming anger with love and forgiveness.

On my own, I can’t do this, but with You, I can do everything . . . even let go of anger. (Philippians 4:13)

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

James 1:19–21

Father, I’m sorry. Make me quick to listen and slow to speak. Too often I do exactly the opposite. Please slow me down when anger starts to rise in me. Lord, I surrender my emotions to You, please help me. Fill my heart and mind with Your truth. Defeat the enemy’s efforts to distort Your Word and divide Your children. Teach us, Lord, by the power of Your Spirit. Help me stand on the power of Your Word when he tempts me with lies, pride, and self-righteousness.

Please keep me focused on You, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You alone are my hope and my salvation. I surrender this day to You. With your help, I believe I can control my anger in ways that shine the light of Your love and give You glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Oh, friends, it’s hard, isn’t it?!

I don’t want to stop and think when I’m frustrated. I don’t want to pause for prayer when I’m angry.

I want to vent my “truth” and let everyone know exactly how they’ve upset and offended me.

But then I read…

Patience is better than pride. Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.

Ecclesiastes 7:8b–9

Ouch!

I don’t want to wear the “fool” label. And I’m guessing you don’t want to wear it either.

And we don’t have to . . . with God’s help, we can be frustrated and angry without sinning.

Because we have the Spirit living with and within us. We have God’s love to guide us. And we have His example to follow…

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:9,11

Are you ready to build someone up with God’s love for God’s glory even when you’re frustrated and angry? I know it won’t be easy but I believe with God’s help, we can do all things . . . even this.

And just for fun, in the comments answer the following question:

What do you do to avoid foolish temper flares?

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