Did you know that anger sometimes presents itself as agitation or depression? Today, Larry shares how he dealt with his anger. Now here’s Larry.
Anger: “Distress, displeasure, and hostility from being injured, mistreated, or opposed.” Webster
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Pro. 16:32 ESV).
Have you found yourself agitated or down? You may be carrying some hidden anger.
Among the most beneficial abilities God provides is the ability to resolve anger (Jas. 1:19). Not just outward manifestations but also suppressed anger. Some of the angriest people I’ve encountered have been pleasant on the outside yet surprisingly vicious. A former relative who appeared delighted in my company would slander me behind my back.
Since anger can lead to all sorts of evil, some assume all anger is wrong and we should always turn the other cheek. If that’s the case, the clearing of the temple by the One who taught the principle, is confusing (Matt. 21:12). The Bible says anger becomes bad if it lasts too long or causes bad responses (Ephes. 4:26, 27).
To detect and remove possible anger, consider the following example.
- Who wronged or hurt me? My former family member. When I think of her, I feel agitated and distrusting.
- What did they do to me? She lied about me.
- Why was that harmful or hurtful? It affected my reputation and valued relationships. I wanted to be an example for Christ, and she portrayed me as a fake.
- How can I resolve my ire? I read Psalm 4 and asked God what He wanted me to focus on. I realized God has given me joy this person can’t steal (Ps.4:7) and guarantees my security (Ps. 4:8).
Once we discover the truth about our wounds and God’s care and future for us, we can have this weight lifted.
Once we discover the truth about our wounds and God’s care and future for us, we can have the weight of our #anger lifted. #hope Share on XIf you need help with this or another personal, spiritual or relationship issue, we are here for you.
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Blessings,
Update
- Couples are rebuilding trust and communication
- Millennials are embracing biblical morality and God’s Fatherhood
- Parents are learning to discipline and encourage
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Thank you, Larry, for sharing how you handled anger. It is very helpful.
Thank you, Ann.
I was given to silent seething rather than angry outbursts. It took me years to realize that wasn’t healthy, physically or spiritually. Proverbs 19:11 was a big help to me (this from the Amplified Version): “Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].” Plus, realizing that God was slow to anger, when He had more right than anyone else to be angry, helped diffuse my anger.
Barbara, those are two powerful anchors to protect us from our stormy emotions.
Thank you for sharing this message. My reading earlier was very similar and yes confirming of an ongoing situation. Again, thank you!
LaRhonda, it’s always so sweet when God speaks to us where we are. Thank you for sharing.
Anger is an issue I’ve dealt with often in my life. Needed this very much today. Thanks and God bless!
Thank you, Nancy.
Thank you for this message. I held anger for a long time against some particular people who hurt my family and me. God has softened my heart and I am thankful for His guidance.
Melissa, thank you for sharing your testimony of God‘s grace. I know I need his grace when I’ve been wronged.
Timely reminders. Satan is always working to drive that wedge of anger in there – tiny at first but always grows if you don’t let God help you let it go. Thank you Debbie!
Yes he is, Stephanie. One the schemes we need to be aware of.
Righteous anger is anger against injustice because a wrong is done to someone else like when Jesus cleansed the temple because their actions profaned God’s name. When we are angry because something was done to us we can turn feelings inward and that is when they get worse. Sometimes it is difficult to let God do His work in someone else’s heart, but only when we obey His Word can the fire be put out.
Barbara, yes, turning anger inward doesn’t make it go away. Thankful God comforts and provides a path to freedom.
Great post Ms. Debbie and Mr. Larry. In my life, I’ve discovered that it’s nearly impossible to keep “hidden anger hidden.” It always seems to percolate up to the surface, be that passive aggressive behavior or comments, depression, or full-out warfare. It’s best to come clean with God and seek His healing balm of grace when those situations arise. Forgiveness is an amazing healer isn’t it? God’s blessings friends.
J.D., I agree. Hidden anger leaks out and poisons ourselves and others. Forgiveness is an amazing healer.
Anger can definitely weigh us down and it can masquerade itself at times, like a low-grade fever hiding a serious infection.
Donna, what a wonderful analogy! And we must identify the root instead of just treating the symptoms.
Deb, I really like your suggestion to think through what makes us angry by identifying The Who, What, Why, and How we can resolve our ire. Sometimes, we just need to step back and be honest about the situation as a whole so we can determine the best way to proceed.
Jeanne, thanks for sharing. Being honest is so important. Then God can guide us. When we deny our anger and hurt we push away God’s help.
I appreciate this post because everyone feels anger at some time or another, and we need to not push it under the rug nor act out on it, but learn to deal with it properly, getting to its root.
You’re right, Lisa. If we don’t feel anger at wrong something’s not working right. We must be honest before God or it will brew beneath the surface and poison us and others.