“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” ~ Mark Twain
Every person deals with anger; it’s a God-given emotion; therefore, anger in itself cannot be wrong. When we allow our anger to exceed its limits and intended purpose, it becomes harmful to others and ourselves.
Fear is the emotion that things will not go our way in the future. Anger is the emotion that we are not getting our way in the present, and resentment is the emotion that something didn’t go our way in the past. Anger stems from fear, so when we find ourselves angry, and we will, we need to pause and search for why we are afraid. Anger is our defense for fear. Some externalize their anger while others internalize their anger, but rest assured, anger must be channeled and processed in some fashion or another.
In recovery circles, they would argue that anger is the number one offender. Some of you reading this may be quick to say, “resentment is the number one offender,” but resentment is merely frozen anger. Sometime in the past, things didn’t go our way, and we are still pissed off. Anger helps us deal with life on life’s terms and solve problems. Anger only becomes a sin when motivated by pride and selfishness, and because humans suffer from extreme individualism—anger’s propensity to lead to harm runs high for most people. Becoming angry and resentful at someone leads to soul sickness. It’s like drinking poison hoping someone else gets sick. Our anger and resentment act as barricades, blocking us off from God’s grace, love, and power, leaving us isolated and in self-destruct mode. Friends, this is why anger is the number one offender. Walking around full of anger is like setting the wastebasket on fire and leaving the house. It may smolder and go out, or it may burn the entire house down.
Our natural failed state wants revenge. Our pride wants to get even at all costs. We want to prove to our victims and the world that nobody will ever get away with harming us. Our fear and anger fog our vision and compromise our ability to see things for how they are in their present state, leaving us dazed and confused. Countless relationships are ruined every day, hearts are broken, and bridges burnt over twisted perception, baseless fear, and sinful anger.
Momma Long used to say, “a wise person never goes to bed angry.” You must learn how to let go and let God, especially when it comes to fear, anger, and resentment. The good news is that God makes this possible. You can start by saying a prayer like this, “God, please save me from becoming angry, and direct my thoughts toward loving and serving others today.” Prayer, confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation provide a pathway for overcoming the fear, anger, and resentment in your life.
What will it take for you to become willing to allow God to intervene and help remove the fear, anger, and resentment from your life?
God of love, mercy, and grace. You have every reason to be angry with humanity, yet You choose to show love, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. Please help me accept that I live in a fallen society and that hurt people will hurt people. Please grant me the willingness to let go of the fear, anger, and resentment that take up residency in my soul, along with demanding free room and board, but yet cost me everything. Help me to forgive and love my enemies, the same You love and forgive me. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever. Amen.
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Donna M Bondurant says
Awesome devotion, so true.
Harold Long says
Amen, thank you, Donna.