“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” Psalm 37:8
Anger can sometimes be a good thing, if it helps you appropriately express your negative feelings and causes you to find solutions to the problems you may be facing. But excessive anger can be harmful to our physical bodies. It can trigger high blood pressure, headaches, and anxiety. If not controlled, it damages our relationships with family and friends. David is advising us that we should not be angry at the things around us over which we have no control.
There are many things that can trigger anger. we may feel that someone has deliberately done us wrong. Or we may feel that people do not appreciate our opinions or efforts. Hearing about injustice often makes us angry. These are times when we need to take time to think about what is happening. Pray about it, and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. In a lot of cases, the problem may just be in our minds. The person who we think has hurt us, may have had no intention of doing so and can be unaware of how we are feeling. Before we do or say anything, think on these scriptures:
James 1:19-20 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Proverbs 14:29 “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
As we stay filled with the Holy Spirit, when we feel anger arising, the Lord will give us the guidance to respond in the right manner, as we call out to Him for help.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know that as humans we will become angry at times, but help us to slow down, pray, and let you guide us before we react.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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