I recently read Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman, father of five. I originally read it because we are in the terrible two's stage with our son. I work in social services and I have been using this book at my job with great results. One of the big take-aways from the book is to let your child get angry. Let them yell, throw a temper tantrum, and say hateful things. Just don't engage. They will only be able to understand why things have to be or not be a certain way when they have fully calmed down. When this happens, they are ready to learn the needed lesson.
I admit I had a variety of reactions last weekend when everything just seemed to go wrong. I experienced anger, worry, and depression. I am not proud of how I responded. However, it was a good thing. A few days later, I was in a listening mode to hear what my Father in Heaven had to say.
If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you may remember that I was involved with Messianic Judaism for several years. The idea is that you can have Jesus and keep the law as well. You can't, actually. It is an "either/or" situation. Jesus had to come because no one could keep the law. Not one.Galatians 2:21 says that if the law could save, Christ suffered a horrible death for nothing. Not even the resurrection!
I was obsessed with trying to be obedient in order to obtain God's favor. But Jesus was and is obedient on our behalf. He took what we deserved and made everyone who is saved righteous. There is nothing more to add or take away. There will be difficult times in life. But its not because God is angry with you. There will also be great times which you did nothing to earn.
I think God read Have a New Kid by Friday too.