With football season underway, I suppose I will be forced to watch network television and turn a deaf ear to the angry and irritating political commercials. Argh…election years are always so annoying because of the constant bickering (and it doesn’t matter whose side you’re on)!
Recently, I realized that with the late spring purchase of our ROKU box – a very cool wireless device that allows you to use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. – I have been sheltered from the news and commercials that spew angry sentiments about the world we live because Lee and I are only watching shows or movies that have no advertisements. I had no clue what a wonderful summer it has been free of the outside influences and the drama that so many seem to cling.
Apparently, anger is IN.
Not only are people raging non-stop on television in the news, dramas, comedies, and reality shows; but some individuals are also committing heinous acts in real life because they are eaten up by hatred from the inside out. Huh…anger isn’t looking so healthy.
Anger comes from a plethora of situations – intimidation, jealousy, harassment, oppression, persecution, resentment, distrust and many more.
I am by no means advocating stuffing down feelings so that we can say we don’t get angry.
What I am declaring is that we all have choices to make when circumstances arise and we are faced with harsh emotions. Should we quickly dive into anger because we are being upset by someone else?
Hmmm…no and here is why:
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29
For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32
Clearly, God advises us to be VERY SLOW to anger. As illustrated above, anger produces folly, anger does not yield the righteousness of God, and anger just doesn’t make good sense!
Nonetheless, it would be foolish to say we won’t be furious for some reason in the future – heck, it could happen any minute (especially with little ones under foot)!
However, the real question is what to do when confronted with an unsettling state of affairs that riles, prods and provokes our temper?
- “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” Luke 6:31
- “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
- “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13
God calls us to ACT APPROPRIATELY when fury ensues. But, instead of seething, fuming, ranting and raving or blowing your top: RESPOND POSITIVELY AND WITH LOVE.
Give anger to God. Pray for understanding and wisdom. Forgive fully and promptly.
Most importantly – if you find yourself in wrath’s way – don’t go to bed angry (Ephesians 4:26).
What makes you angry?
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 29:22 – A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.
I could not agree more. Over the past decade, I have been what could only be called a Political Junkie. About a year ago, I realized what it was doing to me. I contantly felt bitter and angry over something that I have very little control over. It makes it really hard to love all mankind (regardless of political bent) when you constantly have political pundits telling you that this person is lying to you or that this other person is destroying the future for your kids. I have had to restrict the amount of time that I listen to the news and election fodder to just 15-20 minutes a day at the most! Just enough to stay informed, but not enough to disrupt my train of thought and whom I should be focusing on for the day. Politics poisons the soul. I even found myself encouraging family to do the same over this past Labor Day weekend. God Bless You! I have really enjoyed your posts since subbing.
I SO understand, Jason! It’s wonderful that you realized what the constant conflicting messages were doing to you AND then made a CHANGE! Thanks for the encouragement!