How to Overcome Anger God’s Way
Angry.
Hurt.
Someone close to me engaged in repeated behavior that I found offensive.
Words of consternation churned in my mind but something held me back from saying them.
I obsessed about it in the afternoon.
I replayed the scenarios as I went to bed.
I wasn’t sure I could drift off to sleep.
Have you ever had a situation like this?
As I tried to settle down last night, I prayed silently, Help me to love them as you love them, Lord. Help me to forgive.
This morning, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I didn’t feel upset. I began to look at those incidents in a different light and began to see that, at times, I am guilty of the same behavior. I was relieved I did not say what I was thinking.
In Psalm 16:7, it says, “I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”
It was apparent, my Heavenly Father engaged in some counseling work while I slept.
I’m thankful God doesn’t remain angry at us or give us what we deserve.
He is a merciful God, loving, and is constantly forgiving. In Isaiah 57:16 the LORD says, “For I’m not going to haul people into court endlessly, I’m not going to be angry forever. Otherwise, people would lose heart. These souls I created would tire out and give up.”
It’s the same way in our close relationships. If we constantly complain and point fingers, our loved ones might just throw in the towel because they will feel like nothing they do is pleasing. Why should they even want to be around us?
We have to view them as God views them, and as God sees us.
Imperfect.
Sinful.
Vulnerable in areas.
Still being chiseled by our Maker into a work of art.
Instead of placing the spotlight on their faults, we should lay them at God’s holy doorstep and ask for him to transform them into the godly man or woman they were created to be.
Our goal on this earth is to pray for our loved ones and love them.
Unconditionally.
Because that’s the treatment we receive from God.
Are you angry at someone?
In James 1:19-20 it says human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
We need to learn to exchange our anger for mercy. In the end, it will achieve better results and we’ll give God his job back. For he is the rightful judge of our souls.