Encouragement

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“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19=20 (NIV)

It is as common as the air we breathe and the coffee we drink. It surfaces, for most of us, unbidden at varying times. There are some of us who have to really work on getting to it; it is so very good at staying hidden. It is the root cause of baby’s tantrums, children’s rebellions and marriage breakups. What is this common, elusive, here again, there again “it”? ANGER.

Webster defines it as a feeling of great displeasure. When someone is screaming at you, turning purple with eyes bulging, I would say, “yes, they are displeased.” That Webster certainly is the master of understatement, isn’t he? Anger coming from another person, particularly someone you care about, can cause your mood to go into a downward spiral that can lead to a depression that lasts from hours, to days, to weeks or better.

This is more widespread than most people acknowledge – it’s sort of like a dirty little secret, “what, me angry?” “Oh no, I’m just fine, go ahead…” No one really likes to show their anger, so they would rather pretend but then there are some times when you know something just is not right and it’s got you down. Think about the last time you felt anger during the course of your day. Whether you felt angry towards someone or felt that emotion coming towards you, I believe this is a short step to a connection with feelings of depression. I have found in my own bouts of depression that underneath, I am usually angry with someone, or have been the recipient of someone’s anger towards me for something.

For me, the easiest way to rid myself of anger or depression is prayer, going to Jesus and asking Him to forgive me as soon as I recognize my sin. Then there is writing, asking for forgiveness for hurting someone; ask the Lord to show you how to talk to the person who has hurt you. Ask the Great Physician for spiritual healing of underlying and unknown anger. Journaling is a simple way to keep a healthy mental and spiritual balance – it helps to put all of our baggage in order of importance, and can sometimes help us see it for what it really is.

Acknowledging your feeling by talking to a close friend, pastor or a counselor will also help you. Take it step by step. Remember as you go about trying to understand your anger that Jesus, at that very moment, is interceding with the Father for you!


So if He can forgive, we can forgive, right? No – not really. Not on our own. We just don’t have that kind of forgiveness in us. If we ask Him to help us, He will. He always does. He always has. He does not change. He knows very well about anger, hurt and betrayal. How many mobs did He face with the ultimate jeering, mocking crowd standing at His feet calling Him names as He died?

Because He is perfect, He can forgive. Because we are not perfect, we cannot forgive without His help. Keep praying - keep trying.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” Matt. 18:21-22 (NIV)

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