“I'M NOT ANGRY!!!”

He who is slow to anger is better

than the mighty, and he who rules

his spirit than he who takes a city.

Proverbs 6:32

Like it or not, we live in angry times and it doesn't take much anymore for most folks to “pop a cork.” A problem for us is that we can become angry just because someone else is angry, that may have nothing to do with us. Anger is contagious. We see this as we view our country with people and their causes revealing only angry spirits. It's all around us and an easy trap to fall into.

Having been a case manger with abused or mistreated children (teens included), they often had anger issues they couldn't even give a title to. After several sessions with such precious ones, I would pose the question, “Why are you angry?” I knew the answer to the question, but wanted to hear it expressed in their own words. Many didn't seem to know what anger was because it had been such a part of their lives.

For we believers who love Jesus, there is no room for on-going anger. Anger never stays in it's state because anger grows. Like a small fire that can be extinguished in it's early stages, we too must regard anger in the same way. However, we know what happens to a fire that goes unattended. That fire will grow and spread and the results we see on the evening news. Our anger extinguisher is the Holy Spirit who always desires to quell such emotions.

The above verse can no way be misunderstood. The meaning is clear that we are to put a stop to any anger we may be harboring. Anger out of control can often lead to unfortunate negative actions. As upset as I might become with the ranting and raving of others, the fact is that I can't solve their problems. I have to handle whatever anger there might be brewing inside of me, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower me in being an over-comer in that area.

God says in His Word to STOP IT and we can only do that with the power of the Holy Spirit...we can't do it on our own. We must let Him handle what we don't have the ability to defeat on our own. Only God's peace can quench the fire-like anger that can grip one's spirit.

Father, keep us calm and concerned about those things of importance that concerns You. May we realize over and over again that You are in charge and always knows what You're doing. As usual, You will always be looking out for our good. May we find the rest in You we so desperately need in our lives. In Jesus' precious name...Amen