Angry
I will be the first to admit that I’ve been angry. I might have been angry yesterday – I can’t remember. There are things that make me angry and then there are things that make me want to blow my stack. I think it’s incredibly important to control my response to anger. Anger can be a good emotion, however, if I respond in my anger, I usually go too far and say something very hurtful or destructive.
One of Job’s friends waited until everyone else had spoken and then he spoke. He was angry. He felt justified in his anger. He had an agenda for sure. Check this out….
2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him. 3 He was also angry with Job’s three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job’s arguments. 4 Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he. 5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily. (Job 32:2-5 NLT)
Throughout scripture there are multiple instances referring to the anger of God. I don’t believe anger to be a sin. Anger expressed inappropriately can be a sin for sure. I think anger can be righteous. For example, when Jesus cleansed the temple – I think He was angry.
When I’m angry, it is helpful to take a breath or take a walk and evaluate what I’m angry about. My anger is usually about a “what”, but it is often directed at a “who”. I have said some hateful things in anger. I have been hard or hateful toward others and it wasn’t appropriate. There are times when I’m looking to blame someone for something, and I get angry and direct my anger toward an innocent person.
I think I’d be wise to keep asking the Lord to soften my heart. I need to keep asking the Lord to help me to be wise and not speak too much when I’m angry. I want my words to be received with wisdom and discernment not “vomited or spewed” all over someone else or a situation. It takes immense self-control to control my anger when I’m feeling disrespected or talked down to. I must realize Who I belong to. My heart is surrendered and sold out to the Lord – I need to let Him speak through me. I need His help to manage the emotion of anger.
Pressing On!
Dwayne