Are You Angry?

JoePhilipson

Anger has been defined as, “A strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a real or perceived wrong.”

I have had a tug-of-war match with myself many times because of anger based on those “real” moments. You know, those times when it is readily apparent that someone meant you physical or mental harm.

There have also been many instances where I became angry or frustrated with individuals because I assumed that they have done me wrong. A good example of this is “road rage”. At least that is what I have been told; I personally do not suffer from this affliction. Okay, maybe a little bit.

I like Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (NIV).

You might think after reading that, “Well that is just great! I’ll know better the next time, but what do I do about the anger that I already have?” 

A while back I was dealing with anger and frustration because I believed someone had done me a great injustice. I wasn’t alone in this belief either; many people spoke to me about it and even offered some forms of counseling. This feeling of anger however, grew over time and was steadily becoming a part of my everyday life. It was almost defining me as a person. I became frustrated with myself as I continued down this path of resentment.

Then one day I reached bottom. I finally realized that in order to deal with this, I needed to forgive the other person and ask for forgiveness, whether they deserved it or not. Unfortunately the only thing that stood in my way of developing some closure was MY PRIDE. I can honestly say that I am glad that my pride did not stand in my way forever. Once I forgave him and asked for his forgiveness (even though he had no idea what he did was even wrong), a tremendous weight was lifted and I felt rejuvenated.

Patrick Morley wrote, “Pride may make it hard to humble yourself and ask forgiveness, but the joy of reconciliation and wholeness is well worth it.”

In the end, we all need to remember that whatever we are going through, God is big enough to work it out.

Mike

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