Who's Controlling Your Anger?

On the heels of anger, I want to go a little bit deeper into what God really wants us to do and how He wants us to release. I have seen that this anger issue can cause a great deal of pain, whether noticed or unnoticed. As I revert back to the bible I find an angry woman, Athaliah, in 2 Chronicles 21-23. She is filled with anger and will stop at nothing to obtain power and destroy God's people. She even killed her own grandchildren to make sure she was in control. It was a happy day in the city when she was slain and her reign of terror came to an end. This type of violence and vengeance is seen throughout the world today as there are many "Athaliah's" that have lashed out at everyone from the realities of their life. Some "Athaliah's" deny that anything is wrong with them. It is often someone else's fault for their anger problem. It is someone else who caused them to lash out. They are always the victim. They reacted instead of acting in a way that God suggests. Are these excuses really viable or are we trapping ourselves in our own anger?

I know it can be difficult to let go of the worldly anger, but letting go is the only way for Jesus to truly help you and for you to show your love for Him. Sometimes it's our past that releases unhealthy anger issues into our present, and sometimes future, which can be detrimental to our lives. Living in the past with anger, can only leave you in the past with the same anger. Nothing good will come about just unhealthy patterns. As believers in Christ, we have to stand firm and trust God to overtake our enemies by having them become our footstools. No amount of anger or vengeance that the enemy has against us will throw a monkey wrench in Gods plans. His plan is more definite that the enemy's plans. So what can we do now that will show God our true and undying commitment to Him? Matthew 5:43-44 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." I know this is easier said than done, but be honest and ask God to help you in this area and watch the reaction you get from your enemies based on your loving action. They will not know what has happened, but you will.

Well, what if we decide to try and handle the situation ourselves? It's called rebellion. Then, if we become rebellious, what are we telling God? That we are in control. That we have authority over our lives. That we are the ones who know the plan. NO! We are defying and disobeying God and planting a seed of discontentment. We are seeking our own satisfaction and falling short of God's purpose. We then become blind to the fact that God has a plan for our life and we give up any resolution that God has in store. When we trust in the face of challenging circumstances and desire His outcome, our thoughts of rebellion will soon fade away.

So what is the answer to our anger? Trust in Him at ALL times and have self-control. Choose to control your anger with love; loving thoughts, loving actions, and loving feelings. Don't allow anyone but God to have that much control over you by submitting to His will. Saying yes to God and no to outside enticements is a strength that activates our healthy gifts from God. Our self control is a personal discipline that shows God that yes we are obedient to you and yes we will take a stand for you. We have to be "self-controlled" in order to stay focused on the kingdom of God. Relinquish your own control and anger and acknowledge that God has the final control. Study the word of God, meditate on it daily, pray for peace in the midst, and exercise God's will in your life. Now that is what I call self-control!

The Danger of Anger

Ephesians 4: 26-27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

In this world today, there seems to be a lot of anger, including some in my world. I really had to buckle down and see what is the root cause of this anger and what is it doing to me. Anger is the result of some inequity that is happening in your life that seems to have taken over with little to no control. It is an energy that is draining us of a lasting relationship with the Lord. As I asked God to lead me to scriptures regarding anger, he led me to the one stated above. Now I had to ask myself, how would anger lead me to sin? Well easily! I easily wanted to get revenge and these evil thoughts came upon me as soon as the devil entered the situation in my mind. How can I get back at this person? How can I ruin them just like they have tried to ruin me? I really seen how anger definitely can lead to sin. All of these evil thoughts can easily persuade me to sin and then I am held accountable for my actions. For every action, there will be a consequence that I will have to face, either with man or with God.

So what good does it do to get angry and sin? None! Is my anger controllable? Well, yes it is! I had to really pray about the situation. You see, the devil had a really strong foothold on me. I had all kinds of evil thoughts and actions that I can do to that person. I was planning it all out. The how, when, and where was taking over me like a possession of the devil. But God didn't see fit to let that happen. I had to calm down, see the real picture, and really pray long and hard for God to enter. Lord, what is happening to me? Why do I feel the need for revenge? Will this help solve anything or is this just an instant satisfaction to my flesh? All I am going to do is get myself into really bad trouble that I just don't need. So does this leave the situation in limbo? No, God tells us to trust in Him all the time. He will not fail you. He will not leave you or forsake you. He says vengeance is His, so why do I have to take it in my own hands? That is another aspect that evolves around control. Controlling the situation when all I need to do is cast my cares upon Him. He doesn't need my help, so why do I feel the need to sit on the throne with Him?

We all go through situations that can lead to anger but I want you to think about acting rather than reacting to the situation. Don't react to the situation hastily and get all caught up in revenge and seeking out your own vengeance. The danger will explode right in your face with a result that is not pleasing. Instead, act in a way that you know God will be pleased with. Go to God in prayer, honestly, and let Him handle all of your worries, resentment, anger, and any other issues that may be causing harm to your inner being. Whether you know it or not, anger can lead to health problems as well as spiritual and mental problems. You have to remember that you are His child and He is your Father, and just as any father protects his child, He will do that plus more. He will do everything in His power to shield you from danger and all you have to do is trust. So when you feel the anger erupting inside, take a long breather, pray wherever you are, and let God handle the rest. He hears and knows how you feel, so don't take it into your own control. Let God be God and watch how the situation will be resolved in your favor. Anger is a robber of your faith, so don't let the devil get any more strongholds on you. Choose today to release the anger and activate your faith!

Psalm 4:1-8

1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah
3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.

4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah

5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

6 Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.