Is It Normal: To Be This Angry?
Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin."
Have you noticed that people seem angry right now? I read about an individual who visited a drive through at McDonald's this week and noticed that the cook forgot the ketchup on their cheeseburger. This person then got so angry that they went into the restaurant and punched an employee in the face. Wow, talk about anger issues! This is not surprising because we are all living under a huge amount of stress. One psychologist said, " We're living in a big anger incubator."
It is true that if we don't deal with anger in a healthy way, it will cost us. When we are angry we can do a lot of damage in a few moments. Yet, anger is a normal human emotion that we all experience. So how can we handle anger? Here are three thoughts.
- When you're angry, STOP: Instead of lashing out choose to stop. Don't send that email or text. Don't raise your voice. Don't raise your hand. Instead, show mercy. In Ephesians 2:3-4 we are reminded that God showed mercy on us. We need to create space to do do the same for others. One study shows that if you take just 90 seconds to cool down when you are angry it can make a world of difference.
- Deal with the Root Cause: Often we are angry because of another issue. Maybe you felt disrespected or frustrated by something at work. Deal with the real issue.
- Take it to God: In Psalm 109 David does "Takes it to God" in graphic detail. Through the process of praying, David eventually leans on the provision and wisdom of God.
How about you? How are you dealing with anger during this season? Have you said or done something the past few months that you wish you could take back? Is anger bubbling beneath the surface?
Take a few moments to read and reflect on how David dealt with his anger in Psalm 109. And don't let anger be a destructive force in your life.
God Bless,
Mike