My Prayer Partner for Moms

Anger Dear God,I am so angry that I'm about to explode! But that would only make the situation worse. I know how destructive anger is, and I don't want to say or do anything that I will later regret or that would displease You.On the other hand, suppressing these powerful emotions would be harmful to me mentally and physically, and that would not please You either. Father, give me wisdom on how to deal with this situation in a healthy, godly manner that will honor You and set a good example for my children.In Jesus' name,Amen. When you are angry, do not sin. And do not go on being angry all day. Do not give the devil a way to defeat you. Ephesians 4:26-27 icb Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. James 1:20 gnt He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32 nkjv Hot tempers start fights;a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace. Proverbs 15:18 msg A fool gives full vent to anger,but the wise quietly holds it back. Proverbs 29:11 nrsv Don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry. James 1:19 tlb When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, an hundred. Thomas Jefferson Anger in itself is not a bad thing. In fact, feeling angry can be healthy. It can alert you that a boundary has been violated and lets you know that a situation needs to be dealt with.As a parent, you will have plenty of opportunities to get peeved at your children. And that's okay. But it's not okay to take that anger out on them. That is when anger turns to sin.The next time you feel that emotion bubbling up within you, try this. First, count to ten or whatever you need to do to get a grip on yourself. Leave the room if you have to. Next, when you are reasonably calm, pray and ask the Lord how to handle the situation. Since God has an abundance of wisdom and deals with unruly children as a way of life, He certainly can help. Let God speak His peace into your own heart before you confront your children. Finally, talk to them. In a calm manner, tell them you feel anger toward them and tell them why. Then tell them what you expect from them and end on a positive note such as a prayer or a hug.This may sound simplistic, but God's Word always works. He says when there is a conflict between you and another person, you should go to them and resolve it. When you do this, you are teaching your children by example how to deal with anger in their own lives. Will you give it a try?Is there something between you and one of your children right now that needs to be dealt with? How will you resolve it?Howard Books Staff is the author of 'My Prayer Partner for Moms ', published 2007 under ISBN 9781416542162 and ISBN 1416542167.