At some point or another, we all get angry. However, we can hide our anger in many ways. Sometimes we vent; but typically we seek to divert our energies in constructive ways like, sports and fitness, business and social activities. Being driven, we feel we are accomplishing something. Unfortunately, we often drive ourselves to exhaustion and misery. The cycle continues. Until when? Until God gets our attention, we pause, and seek Him for His solutions.
RELEVANCE
There are no real winners in an environment steeped in anger. It breeds cynicism and distrust. It causes us to put up barriers and avoid real communication. In the heat of the battle, it leads to jealousy, resentment, betrayal and vengeance. When one gives up caring or fighting, it leads to depression and despair. It fosters unhealthy competition and greed, and also unforgiveness. Worst of all, anger keeps the hand and favor of God far from us.
God has real answers and real solutions because He created us! With faith in His word and real solutions from the Holy Spirit, anger can be dealt with; and not just managed—but cured.
Being healed from anger starts with self-examination and self-control. God can provide grace. We must be willing to be honest with self. The Holy Spirit can sever its roots and yank them out! He can bring real healing of heart. With it, comes peace and joy. I can testify.
Job can too. He lost all, then engaged with God and was restored with twice as much.
“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul” (Job 7:11).
REFLECT AND RELATE
How might you camouflage anger?
What might be preventing you from forgiving and releasing anger?
REFERENCES
Isaiah 38:15-17