Getting a Handle On Anger

www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

I’m going to start this post by saying that everyone gets angry at some point in time or another. It’s inevitable. It happens. It’s a natural emotion that God created us with. And it can come in many forms such as getting angry with your kids for misbehaving or becoming disrespectful to your husband, not responding the way you would like, being upset with your boss or leader not giving you the promotion, from someone hurting you or saying or doing something that made you really mad. The truth is, we all get angry at times. But I do believe the key to balancing this real-life emotion is learning how to get a handle on it when it strikes!

Again, no doubt, anger happens. Yet, when we feel this emotion rising, that’s when we need to have the power to control it. And this is not always easy to do (trust me. I know). Yet, Proverbs 16:32 tells us, “It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” Meaning, we can have the power to do great things, but it’s better to be patient in tough situations and with difficult people. It’s better to have self-control than to conquer a great task or issue. *Controlling anger has a lot to do with being patient, meek (humble), and having self-control under pressure…it’s character (See Galatians 5:22-23 for the fruit of the Spirit).

Jesus tells us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. He says through John 15:5, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (NLT) This is so true. If we want to respond properly, then we have to stay connected to the vine. It’s when we’re disconnected, that our fruit begins to rot and stink.

Listen, sis. When anger or other emotions try to get the best of us, that’s when we have to check ourselves, confess where we are, and run back to Jesus. And it’s totally okay to pick up the phone and call a trusted friend or mentor to help you get through it. We also need to ask for the Lord’s help to overcome it and forgive those who may have trespassed against as Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs us saying, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven us.” (NLT)

Now here are a few more helpful and life-changing Scriptures as it relates to getting a handle on this emotion…

James 1:19-20, “…be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.” (NLT)

Ephesians 4:26-27, “And don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.” (NLT)

Romans 12:21, “Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

Proverbs 29:11, “A fool gives full vent to anger, but a wise person quietly holds it back.” (NLT)

Proverbs 14:29, “Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.” (NLT)

Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” (NLT)

These verses are very helpful as we aim to conquer anger. But also, as I prepare to close this post, I need to say this. If you have allowed yourself to get so angry to the point where you’re lashing out at people, cursing, backbiting, holding unforgiveness in your heart, thinking evil thoughts, or just acting out in ways that you know is displeasing to God, then I encourage you to admit where you are and repent right now.

If not, then these things could have a stronghold on you and potentially hinder your progress and effectiveness in your personal life and for work that you’re doing. Let it go. Let people go. Choose forgiveness. Choose to release the anger. You can do it. You can get a handle on anger, today.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

**Recommended book this week, “Breaking Free from Anger and Unforgiveness” by Dr. Linda Mintle. Action-packed little book! Grab it today! 

QUESTION: Are you struggling with getting a handle on anger, sis? What's gotten you so upset?  Do you need prayer today? If you need prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.

ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.

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