Avoid Anger Turned Inward
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts (Mark 3:5, NLT)
For Insight
We often identify anger as being something bad or negative to experience or feel but seldom think of it as being potentially deadly or harmful for ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Studies of mood disorders have revealed that anger is the main cause of depression and anger turned inward or towards others is the leading cause of death. This may be why the apostle Paul counseled that when we do become angry, we are not to sin. the alternative to sinning would be turning to God, seeking godly counsel, and discovering healthy ways to express our anger at situations or others.
We cannot say enough that anger in and of itself is not bad nor a negative emotion we need to avoid or even pretend we don’t experience. It’s when our anger is out of control, and we lose sense of right and wrong and becomes a destructive force in our relationships with others and God. Anger at the right time, felt or experienced because of a situation that calls for anger—such as what Jesus felt when he went into the temple—is in fact a very healthy, godly emotion.
God gave us the ability to become angry when He made us in His image. When our anger rises because of injustices, abuses, or mistreatment then we are sharing in Jesus righteous indignation. If we do not sin in our anger but instead turn anger into something good and spiritually profitable then God is pleased with us.
With help we can learn how to communicate and express our anger in a healthy way, a way that honors God’s plan for us and others. Like every other emotion we have been given by God, anger can serve us for good and assure God’s plan for our lives is experienced. If we don’t let the devil interfere or lead us during anger we can have good outcomes and draw closer to God with a humbled heart and peace of mind.
Praying Mark 3:5
Jesus, we have examples in the Scripture of anger that did not end up in hurting others. When we are angry help us to do those things that promote good and not those things that lead us to sin or bringing harm to ourselves or others. As always we need Your counsel and the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and anger is no exception. Amen
Prayer Challenge
As you pray about situations or people that are making you angry don’t forget to ask God to help you express or communicate your anger in a healthy, god-pleasing way.
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 