Anger

By Marilyn Travis

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about trees. I wrote that God wants us to be like a healthy, strong tree, rooted in His Spirit, fed by the living water of His Word. I talked about the large tree in our front yard whose branches sometimes get blown about or weighed down, but the tree itself stands strong. Little did I know how appropriate this image would be just two weeks later.

I certainly feel like I’ve been tossed about with the protests, riots, Covid 19 statistics and restrictions, and the stress of having to write another devotional (just kidding on the last one). My emotions have run high a few times while engaging in animated conversations about current events with my children and friends. Are the protesters justified? Are the police justified? What would Jesus do? What action, if any, should our leaders take? How does God want us to react when we are angry, frustrated, or confused?

I decided to study how anger is dealt with in the Bible. The list in my concordance is quite extensive, and worth more study. It comes down to this: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20

Paul warns us to “not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

We are not to harbor anger. It is poison. So how do we stay free from anger and rooted in His Spirit? We must drink of the living water of His Word. I’d like to share a devotional I read earlier this week. It is from 100 Verses Every Christian Needs to Know. Freeman-Smith LLC 2009

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

How will you direct your thoughts today? Will you obey the words of Philippians 4:8 by dwelling upon those things that are true, noble, and just? Or will you allow your thoughts to be hijacked by the negativity that seems to dominate our troubled world?

Are you fearful, angry, bored, or worried? Are you so preoccupied with the concerns of this day that you fail to thank God for the promise of eternity? Are you confused, bitter, or pessimistic? If so, God wants to have a little talk with you.

God intends that you be an ambassador for Him, an enthusiastic, hope-filled Christian. But God won’t force you to adopt a positive attitude. It’s up to you to think positively about your blessings and opportunities… or not. So, today and every day hereafter, celebrate this life that God has given you by focusing your thoughts and your energies upon ‘things that are excellent and worthy of praise.’ Today, count your blessings instead of your hardships. And thank the Giver of all things good for gifts that are simply too numerous to count.

John Ortberg reminds us to “make your mind the dwelling place of God. God is never more than a thought away. To make my mind a home for Jesus, I deliberately fill my mind with the kinds of things God says are important.” See above!

I love the statement “God is never more than a thought away.” If we dwell on Him and His Word, we will have peace that passes understanding. Remember, God’s got this!

Meditate through music with me this morning. “The Peace of Christ,” Tommy Walker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN9bEkGe6ss