There is a full spectrum of this emotion. We get angry in the car when someone turns in front of us or takes "our" parking spot. We get angry at the news on TV of the needless death and destruction that is happening in our world. We get angry at our family and friends for not meeting our needs, and we get angry at God because life is so unfair.
God Himself gets angry. He created the emotion. However, His is a righteous anger where ours is a selfish one. Our sense of entitlement and our opinions about what is right and wrong can overrule our conscious thought, and we react in a variety of unhealthy ways. Lashing out and withdrawing emotionally are the usual responses when anger flairs up. Most of the time, what sets us off is not what we are really mad about. It requires quite a bit of introspection to get to the bottom of what is making us so angry. (It isn't the driver in the other car)
Managing anger requires patience and practice. The refinement of the skill takes a lifetime to master. Recognizing when you are angry is the first step. Slowing down and stopping what comes next takes strength and planning. Exercise, prayer, breath control, meditation, and effective communication will all help. If you are angry today, pray the following:
Gracious God, I am angry today! My inner seething hurts as much as physical pain. Please show me the root cause of my anger. Give me the skill set to manage my anger so that it doesn't effect my relationship with others. I am tempted to lash out and say and do hurtful things! Stop me, Lord from doing and saying things I can't take back later. Please, God, show me the way to peace of heart today! With your Son at the center of my decisions, I trust you with my emotional self. May gentleness and kindness prevail. AMEN
Ephesians 4:26,27,31,32
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