A
reminder for today
Don't
sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer
sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the LORD. (Psalm 4:4-5)
As this year kicks off with a bang and it almost seems as
if you never had a moment just to prepare yourself mentally for what lies
ahead, it is sometimes possible that stress can build up and irritation can
take its place. Or it might be unresolved issues from last year that still remains
and it now tenses up the situation or the environment.
Irritation can so easily lead to anger and then a small
change can trigger an outburst and change the situation completely. David writes that anger should not control us
and that we should think about it. Anger can become sinful when it is motivated
by pride (James 1:20), when it is unproductive and thus distorts God’s purposes
(1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27).
My dear friend, do not let anger take control of you in
the year ahead but control anger by allowing God to change either your mind set
or that of the other parties involved. Here
are a few ideas on how to control anger:
No. 1: Take a timeout
Counting to 10 isn't just for kids. Before reacting to a
tense situation, take a few moments to breathe deeply and count to 10. Slowing
down can help defuse your temper. If necessary, take a break from the person or
situation until your frustration subsides a bit.
No. 2: Once you're calm, express your anger
As soon as you're thinking clearly, express your
frustration in an assertive but non-confrontational way. State your concerns
and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control
them.
No. 3: Get some exercise
Physical activity can provide an outlet for your
emotions, especially if you're about to erupt. If you feel your anger
escalating, go for a brisk walk or run, or spend some time doing other favorite
physical activities. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that
can leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked
out.
No. 4: Think before you speak
In the heat of the moment, it's easy to say something
you'll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying
anything — and allow others involved in the situation to do the same.
No. 5: Identify possible solutions
Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on
resolving the issue at hand. Does your child's messy room drive you crazy?
Close the door. Is your partner late for dinner every night? Schedule meals
later in the evening — or agree to eat on your own a few times a week. Remind
yourself that anger won't fix anything, and might only make it worse.
Finally, we must act to solve our part of the problem (Romans
12:18). We cannot control how others act or respond, but we can make the
changes that need to be made on our part. Overcoming a temper is not
accomplished overnight. But through prayer, Bible study, and reliance upon
God’s Holy Spirit, ungodly anger can be overcome. We may have allowed anger to
become entrenched in our lives by habitual practice, but we can also practice
responding correctly until that, too, becomes a habit and God is glorified in
our response.
Have and awesome day dear friend of Jesus
Cheers
