Free From Anger

Scriptures: Romans 1:18-20, Jeremiah 10:10, Ephesians 4:25-27

Don’t let anger take root!

Anger is a human emotion that God doesn’t condemn. The Lord understands that it can happen. You are a human being, not a superhero! So, anger in itself is not a sin. The Lord Himself gets angry sometimes (see the Bible, Romans 1:18, Jeremiah 10:10). 

However, the Bible encourages us to not hold on to it…“‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,’” (Ephesians 4:26).

So the Lord, in His Word, is encouraging you to not allow this feeling, this emotion, to take hold long-term. Anger you refuse to release can develop into resentment, into bitterness, into unforgiveness. It becomes dangerous for your soul.

Here’s some advice for today…when you feel anger rise up, immediately place the situation into God’s hands. Ask Him to put His hand on your heart and help you get through this period of anger as quickly as possible so that it doesn’t last longer than the day. Even now, Christ can heal your heart and call the rage in you to still.

God bless you, my friend!

Thanks for existing!

Scripture: Psalms 37:8-9

Do you know where your anger comes from?

It’s easy to figure out where anger comes from when it’s sparked by an immediate or obvious situation. For example, someone runs into you at the grocery store (or cuts you in line) and doesn’t apologize. It makes you angry.

But sometimes it’s more difficult to understand why we’re angry…especially if we’re not aware that we are…The anger is thus underlying in our souls, as if asleep. Like a volcano, it can wake up at any moment, wreaking havoc without you even knowing where it originated!

Perhaps this has already happened to you…you get angry without knowing why. Where could this latent anger be coming from?

• An offense never forgiven,
• A behavior “learned” in a contentious family environment,
• An undesired breakup,
• An unresolved death or time of grieving,
• And many other reasons are possible. Only God can make it clear to you what’s producing this anger within you.

If you feel concerned about this problem, if you get angry without knowing why, it’s important to ask the Lord to reveal its origin to you so that you can be free from it!

I invite you to meditate on this verse from the Bible that says…“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.” (Psalm 37:8)

Thanks for existing! 

Scripture: Job 5:1-27

Does your heart need healing?

Have you ever had a serious cut? No matter your response, you definitely know that it’s important to thoroughly disinfect the wound to avoid infection.

We will all encounter situations that will anger us. Sometimes the circumstances are so intense that they cut like a knife. So we get disgruntled, frustrated. We brew over this anger. We indulge it. And as you know, what we feed eventually grows. In other words, if this anger is not addressed, it inevitably becomes infected.

Sometimes it can even erupt into violence…that’s why it’s so important to take care of the wounds and address the anger.

The Bible says, “For wrath kills a foolish man, and envy slays a simple one.” (Job 5:2) And I know you’re not foolish, my friend!

But if this is speaking to you, know that Christ is your hope! He died for you so that you could be truly free…including from anger.

If you’d like, pray with me…“Lord, I need You. Heal my heart from anger; purify my thoughts. Thank You for taking care of my life and my soul. Thank You for total healing! In Your name, amen.”

And if you’re a victim of the anger of others, you can also intercede for them. God can do a miracle! 

Thanks for existing! 

Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11, John 10:10, Psalms 34:17-19, Isaiah 41:13

God will help you!

Is there a question, a “why,” that’s preventing you from finding rest? It’s normal to find yourself confused and lost in the midst of a trial. It’s normal to wonder why…but here is what the Word of God says:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11)

Faced with a declaration like this, so many questions can crop up in our minds…If God has thoughts of peace and not of evil, why are these trials prevailing? Why this sickness? Why this death? Why, Lord??

It’s true that certain illnesses, catastrophes, etc. can stir up our anger. Our anger, however, shouldn’t be turned toward God, but toward the devil, who comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. But Jesus…He came that His sheep may have life and that more abundantly! (the Bible, John 10:10)

The Bible says that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (the Bible, Psalm 34:19)

And it also promises that when “the righteous cry out…the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (the Bible, Psalm 34:17-18)

God is going to lift you up, my friend! His plans for you are plans of peace and not of evil. He promised that He would help you…His help is never lacking in times of distress! He is rescuing you! Isaiah 41:13 declares, “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

I invite you to pray with me…“Lord, I don’t understand why I’m going through this trial, but I choose to trust You, release my troubles and anger to You, and rest in Your strength. Thank You for helping me! In Your name, amen.”

Thanks for existing! 

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27

What should you do when you lose your temper?

Today, imagine with me for a moment…You’re on the highway, the road is clear, the weather beautiful. Your favorite singer’s album is playing on a loop. In short, life is fantastic. All of a sudden, someone speeds up and cuts you off. What’s your reaction?

• Do you forgive immediately?
• Do you complain but quickly move on?
• Do you lose it? The ball is rolling, and you hotly think about everything you could’ve done to get back at the driver. Honk, pursue the other car and cut him off, etc. You dwell on the situation until you arrive at your destination, and then the next day as well, and the day after, etc.

Let me tell you something important. Anger is a thief. A thief of peace, joy…and time. You only have one life. You don’t have the time to waste. The Bible says, “…Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Perhaps you’d say to me, “Eric, I can’t help it. I’m not God. I lose my temper, and I just can’t get over it like that!”

It’s true…without God’s help, it’s very difficult. But with Him, everything is possible! His Spirit can help you find peace once again. So, when you feel like you’re losing control, simply release your emotions to the Lord and receive His peace.

Be blessed, my friend!

Thanks for existing! 

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1, James 1:19-20

Words that convey love…

The book of Proverbs is overflowing with excellent advice for our daily lives, whether it be about our relationships, lifestyles, or the choices we make…

Proverbs 15 shares great secrets with us about how to resolve the circumstances of anger we all encounter at some point every week. It says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (see the Bible, Proverbs 15:1) 

With God’s help you can respond to hurtful words with soft, gentle answers. Rather than letting anger get the upper hand, go to the Lord again and ask Him for strength and the words to say.

Another key is found in James 1:19-20, which says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” 

In taking these words to heart, not only will you grow in self-control and the management of your emotions (rather than letting them control you), but you will also be brought into a place of peace in your relationship with the person involved. Yes, God can use you to bring peace into situations where anger would have taken over!

Today and in the days to come, I challenge you…be slow to speak, and when you do, answer kindly and gently. 

May your mouth be filled with words that convey peace and love. Be an ambassador of God’s love…may your words bring healing today!

Thanks for existing! 

Scripture:

God can transform your life! 

Have you ever heard the testimony of Nicky Cruz, a violent, bloodthirsty gang leader in the 50s who was deeply broken and abused? It’s so encouraging to see what God can do with a shattered life. 

Nicky Cruz was a young, desperate criminal who vented all his anger through a life of violence and hate on the streets of New York City. Yet, Jesus revealed Himself to him, and once he was able to let go of all that kept him from approaching God, he felt His divine love invade his heart in a supernatural way. That day, Nicky Cruz was completely transformed. 

Thus, a hurt delinquent became a passionate evangelist for Jesus who has helped many reconcile with God. What a glorious testimony! 

So you see…if God can transform a life that broken and desperate, what is holding Him back from transforming yours? Nothing! 

God can transform your life in a radical way! 

Let Him do it. Let Him transform you! Everything He does is good and beautiful. 

Thanks for existing!