Anger management

I struggle with anger. It comes in many forms. It may be explosive anger at someone cutting me off in traffic. It could be implosive anger at how people demand certain things from me that I don't have time to deliver. Anger is an ever present temptation. Sometimes I deal appropriately with my anger. Other times I don't.

I don't think God wants me to be passive in life. In fact, I believe He even wants me to be angry at times. But He wants me to be angry at the right things. We should be angry when a person molests a child. Anger is warranted when God's name and honor are defiled. Injustice and cruelty are within the scope of healthy anger. But how do we express it?

There is something that God has been teaching me lately. He is my Defender. He is my Rock. I think most of us lash out in inappropriate anger because someone has done something to wound our pride (or ego). We feel embarrassed, belittled, or shamed. We feel like we must react in order to "save face." But God is leading me in a different direction. He is challenging me, "Let it go. I have more important things for you to focus on. In a week, what occurred just 5 minutes ago that bruised your ego will be a distant memory, if that. Learn to trust Me with your emotions."

I have to admit, God's way of doing things sure does bring a lot of peace into my life. Anger stirs up stress and discontent in my soul. Resting in the assurance that God is for me, I experience deep satisfaction and contentment.

I challenge you to start letting go of your anger. God is more than capable of dealing with all your enemies.

In God's Grip,

jonathan