Angry? Let It Go!
I have to admit, I am no stranger to ANGER! Are you?Every two weeks I meet with some young moms to encourage them in their journey with Jesus.As a young mother, I hadn’t a clue how to raise kids, or understand myself, so ANGER was my all too frequent reaction. Now, as I listen to their stories of sick children, endless loads of laundry, and constant demands that make most moms want to run screaming out the door, I understand. But… angry reactions and angry words don’t help anyone thrive—least of all you (or me)!Anger comes from many sources and at every season of life. Three true illustrations come to mind:
Christi is consumed with rage at her unfaithful husband who wants to reconcile. But her hurt and anger have led to actions that could make this increasingly unlikely.
Ingrid is angry at her controlling and bitter mother who plays the siblings off against each other. Every jerk of the maternal chain brings fresh waves of frustration and rage.
Katherine was hurt by a decision her supervisor made at work. After years of success on the job, she and others were told that a younger woman was being brought in to train them. Her humiliation turned to burning anger, leading to a long-lasting depression.
Probably most of us can identify with the feelings of these three women. Betrayal, loss of control and power, hurt pride are all common reactions to what seems unfair, unjust, and undeserved. But, letting anger go is both necessary and possible! “Anger is a quick-moving emotion,” says author Nick Harrison, in Power in the Promises. He goes on to point out a common source of anger: losing our control over a situation or another person.As a mom, and as a wife, I can relate! So often my anger was because I couldn’t get “others” to do what I knew was right, best, and necessary!
How about you? What triggers your anger? And what will you do with it?
Anger is mentioned more than 500 times in Scripture. It’s not a sin to be angry—but it can easily lead to sinful behavior.Does the angry scowling face of this little girl remind you of yourself at times? She looks mad, sad, and full of annoyance at her mother. I think that’s how I’ve looked at God (and others) at times when things aren’t going my way.We’re human, we get upset, we react in anger—but we need to LET IT GO! WHY?
Because we’re harming ourselves. Stewing over the offense that’s caused us pain only leads to acid-churning bitterness, fury, and schemes to get even. Or it leads to depression.
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath: do not fret—it leads only to evil” - Psalm 37:8
Because forgiveness frees us to move forward. As long as we cling to our anger, rehearse how badly we were treated, and wallow in the injustice of it all, the longer we’ll miss all the blessings God has for us.
How Can You Let It Go?
Tell God all your feelings—and ask Him to soften your heart.
Forgive and let go of your resentment, bitterness, and demands.
Avoid letting yourself fret, ruminate, or rehearse the wrong.
Remember how much YOU have been forgiven—your offender is human as you are. Focus on their good points and God’s love for them.
Choose to love and care for others—get your eyes off yourself.
Let’s talk: What has helped you deal with anger? What is God nudging you to do in a current situation? Share your thoughts on Facebook or email me.[Tweet "Angry? Here are 5 ways to Let It Go! "][Tweet "Letting anger go is both necessary and possible! Here is why and how: "]