You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! ... With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. (Psalm 60:1, 12)
According to this psalmist’s view, God authors the story of Israelite history. God rejects the people, grows angry with them, and they are overrun by enemies. Then God smiles on the people, forgives them, and they defeat their enemies.
It’s not that simple in my experience. I’ve come to see God’s so-called anger as the expression of my own fear, frustration, and fury. When humans contend with one another I’ve grown to prefer my discerning God’s side in the conflict over God’s taking my side in it, for the rallying cry, “God is on our side,” is too easily twisted for selfish gain.
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