Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Control (01/30/06)
-
TITLE: Putting On - Stepping Out | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patricia Charlton
02/02/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Anger and frustration are two of my worst enemies. The more I try to control these two powerful emotions, the greater the failure. Frustrated from guilt and embarrassment from my many outbursts, I started on a journey towards self-control. During this journey, there were several important steps.
Steps Taken
Acknowledgement
Yes, I was angry. Angry at the world, my father's rejection, abandonment, and many emotional scars. Hiding behind a mask and pretending that it never happened only accelerated my problem. Angry turned to wrath and wrath to action. Shaking with frustration and clutching a knife, angry got the best of my emotions. Speeding past my older brother's ear, the knife came to rest in the kitchen wall. That was not the only failure. During an argument with my mother, she turned to leave the room. Bursting with anger, I swung my leg into the air. With bones cracking and a painful cry, the full force of my leg connected with her hand. Guilty and embarrassed, I hung my head in shame.
Responsibility
As a child of God, I am to: "put off all these: anger, wrath, malice…." (Colossians 3: 8) As an ambassador of Christ, every action and spoken word reflected the character of Christ. My explosive anger did not reflect God's character. (James 1: 20) If I did not control my anger, God would deal with my outbursts. (Hebrews 12: 6) God held me accountable for my actions.
Courageous action.
The courage to deal with my problem would came from a powerful source. I needed a power that was greater than anger and frustration. Where did I find that power? That power came from this: "the exceeding greatness of His power towards us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." (Ephesians 1: 19) I stepped out of my old nature and put on Christ. Freedom from explosive anger was my choice. With openness and honesty, I talked to the Lord about each painful hurt. Forgiveness and releasing each situation to Christ, I began to step out of my explosive anger.
In order to maintain this newly acquired peace, I used the following tools.
Conflict Resolution
- Read or take a course on resolving conflicts
- Confront those I have wronged or have wronged me
- Search for the root cause of any future frustration
Healthy Lifestyle
- Regular exercise program ( I swim three times a week)
- Healthy eating (reduce sugar intake, more fruit, more vegetables, smaller meals)
- Get a physical check up
- Get a full nights sleep
- When I am too tired, hungry or out of shape, it is difficult to control my anger.
Changing my thought patterns
- Memorize scripture (11 Timothy 3: 16, 17)
- Think positively (Philippians 4: 8)
- Watch or read positive material (Bible)
Healthy Relationships
- Open and honest relationship with Christ
- Change the things I can change and pray about the rest
- Surround myself with encouraging and positive people
- Regular church attendance
- Small group accountability
With these tools I have put on Christ and stepped out of my anger.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.