Pastor to the Stars : Encouragement : Anger Management

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Anger Management

"Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath, neither give place to the devil."

Ephesians 4:26

Anger can gain control of you and rob you of your peace if you let it. This emotion, unrestrained, can damage our relationships, hurt others, and cause us to doubt God's intervention when distressful or explosive situations arise. It can give the devil an opening to work unrighteousness, and lead us to sin.

However, God shows us a better way.

In Psalm 4, David is distressed and angry over people who are opposing him and his righteousness, and turning his glory into shame with lies. David reasons himself out of anger that leads to sin by bringing the matter directly to God. His example exhorts us to commune with our own heart, meaning to consider our ways and the direction in which we are headed when we get angry. We should self-reflect during a quiet, solitary time:

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD."

-Psalm 4:4-5

• Don't let anger take control of you. Consider and reflect upon your direction.

• We must "offer the sacrifices of righteousness" - refrain from retaliating - respond righteously and with prayer to God.

• Focus on the favor of God in your life. David mediated upon the gladness that God put in his heart which was more than the material increase of those who distressed him (verse 7). In another words, replace angry thoughts with thoughts of God's favor and blessings in your life.

• Trust God to deal with whatever is causing you offense. Be still and do not take matters into your own hands. Never repay evil with evil, or insult with insult (1 Peter 3:9). Rather, take the night to sleep on it, and during a quiet time of solitude (such as before retiring at night) "stand in awe" -- keep a holy reverence towards God. When you offer God the sacrifice of righteousness by responding to anger appropriately, you will sleep peacefully and He will keep you safe:

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." -Psalm 4:8

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