A literature review on divine struggle---Seeking personal resolution of negative emotions toward God

Spiritual struggle is part and parcel of living on this side of heaven. Divine struggle (struggle with God) is the most vital (in the literal sense of the word) aspect of spiritual struggle. In practice, however, this topic has carried with it a certain air of taboo in Christian circles. Still, subjects of divine struggle such as anger toward God are being researched with increasing momentum.;This study has tried to reveal a few of areas of focus that may be helpful for the resolving of issues of divine struggle. In Chapter two, the results of over 50 empirical studies that focus directly on some aspect of divine struggle be it frustration or disappointment with or anger toward God were surveyed. From these 50, 39 were selected and 24 important studies reviewed with the rest listed in chart form. The results showed that certain traits such as humility and surrender are predictive of lower divine struggle where as entitlement and narcissistic traits are predictive of higher divine struggle. Responses of openness has been observed to help in the lowering of divine struggle whereas responses of inhibition and hostile contexts regarding openness have been shown to be predictive of higher divine struggle. And it was observed that empirically tested, manualized (instructions) interventions are also appearing. It was also observed that these interventions and the theoretical grounding of the research can be seen on a spectrum from secular to intentionally theistic. Chapter 3 focused on the theme of divine struggle in the Psalms in general and on Psalm 22 in particular. The content of the Psalm as well as Jesus' use of it as model and messiah were considered.;Chapter four concludes this study with educational and ministry implications for pastors and researchers based on the review of the empirical studies and reflections on the Christian worldview regarding divine struggle. Pastoral personal and small group applications such as prayer journaling based on the psalms of lament are offered and it is suggested that research be further pursued in a self-consciously Evangelical yet rigorous fashion fully utilizing Biblical texts for the purpose of useful interventions.