Dr. Sean Tobin is a clinical psychologist who brings into his practice insights from both psychotherapy and Christian spirituality.

He says that right out of the gate many Christians have a barrier in their relationship with God. At a base level they think of God as one of three things: angry, distant or weak.

To move forward in their relationship with him, they need to come to a place where they see more clearly who God is. 

First, instead of always being angry, he is primarily merciful toward you, he says. He’s not surprised by your mistakes or brokenness. And yet, he is still merciful.

Second, instead of being of distant, he is close. He is closer to you than you are to you. 

Third, instead of being weak, he is almighty. His strength exceeds that of any worldly power, and certainly any problem you are facing.

In the Bible, certain phrases are repeated multiple times. One of them is found in Psalm 103:8-9: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.”

You may want to read that again.

As you get stuck in your thinking that God is always angry at you…

As you get stuck in your thinking that God is always distant…

As you get stuck in your thinking that God is weak…

Remember that your thoughts sometimes need a smack. Truth about God is the antidote to the deceptions that pierce your brain and try to deflate your faith.

God made you, sent Jesus to die for you, and has good plans for your life. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

Notes:

-*“Dr. Sean Tobin on Deliverance, Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance” on The Exorcist Files podcast. Posted August 21, 2025.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.