My Prayer Partner for Women

Anger Dear God,I am so angry I am about to explode! But You already know that. In fact, You know the situation that has triggered these feelings even better than I do.Is it okay for a Christian to be angry? It can't be right for me to injure others with harsh words and sharp tones when Jesus told us to "turn the other cheek." But what am I supposed to do with these powerful emotions? Please show me how to deal with this anger in a way that pleases You.In Jesus' name,Amen. 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 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 Don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry. James 1:19 tlb When a man grows angry, his reason rides out. Thomas Fuller Jayne was a college student with an inability to express the anger and resentment she felt. "My roommate gets to the point sometimes where she just explodes emotionally to let off steam," she said. "I have deep feelings, too, but I'm not sure that a Christian is supposed to let off steam."How are Christians to behave when they are angry? Paul admonished: "Be angry, and yet do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26 nasb). Anger is a natural human emotion, but the expression of anger can sometimes be unhealthy -- which is not how a Christian should act.Fortunately, the Bible does give us a pattern to follow to deal with our feelings in a more open and honest way. In Psalm 109, David expressed anger and rage against an enemy. But David's words didn't surprise God. God already knew what he was thinking and feeling. David was simply expressing those feelings honestly before his God. The way David acknowledged his feelings is healthy.While anger is natural, you don't have to be controlled by it. Instead, take your feelings to the Lord. When you are able to "dump" your hurt and hatred before your Heavenly Father, you will be less likely to dump it on your loved ones and family members in a destructive way. In addition, when you allow the Holy Spirit to control your thoughts and actions, you will be surprised at how your life becomes filled with less anger and more love, compassion, and forgiveness.What situations make you the angriest? How can you begin to turn those angry feelings over to the Lord?Howard Books Staff is the author of 'My Prayer Partner for Women ', published 2007 under ISBN 9781416542179 and ISBN 1416542175.