Take Your Anger to God
The Free Newsletter.
Those who know me best may have something to say about it, but I hope I manage anger better now than when I was younger. Still, I continue to work on it, asking God for more patience, understanding, and love.
Nothing puts this to the test like a rude, inconsiderate driver. Such an experience has the potential to be dangerous IF you cannot manage your anger. When I’m driving and encounter a not-so-nice driver, I have to work at not losing my cool. I’ve been known to say aloud, “Karlene, calm down and keep your eyes on the road!”
Is anger a sin?
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry… Ephesians 4.26
In Ephesians, we find a lesson on handling anger. Notice the Scripture does not say “Do not be angry…” but that anger can lead to sin, which can be avoided by not letting the sun go down while still angry.1
In the NIV Bible, this passage of Scripture comes under the heading “Instructions for Christian Living.” As in the early church, this is instruction for us today.
We, as Christians, are called to be different. Earlier in Ephesians 4, we are taught…to put off the old self and put on the new (Eph. 4.22-23). As “made new” servants of Christ, we should not allow the enemy (satan) to take advantage of a moment of anger.2 Have you noticed how he shows up in our weakest moments?
I encounter an inconsiderate driver bearing down on my bumper. He (or she) just will not let up. There’s traffic all around and the situation is getting tedious. Suddenly, he finds a narrow opening and shoots out around me, sending a dirty look my way while flying by.
At this point, the anger rising in me wants to glare right back or lay down on my horn (the enemy would love it if I did either, both, or more). And here is that potentially dangerous distraction, which could bring about something far worse (i.e., wrecking the car or drifting into sin). Thus, me saying, “…calm down and keep your eyes on the road!”
Trust in the Lord.
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Psalm 4.4
Turning to the Lord requires that we trust in Him. In times of anger, there really is no better place to turn than to God.3
Psalm 4 begins with a prayer of desperation. The truth is the psalmist is angry, and we can see why. His reputation has been ruined by people making groundless accusations and lies. (vv. 1-2, NIV) He then states what the Lord does for those who are faithful—He will answer when I call to Him (v. 3). The psalmist trusts God to work it out and is confident He will do so.
You can use this process to turn your anger over to the Lord. In prayer tell Him about the situation—in great detail, if necessary. Remind the Lord of His promises to the faithful (those who trust in Him), and trust that He will work it out.
Now, I am not placing my experience with an inconsiderate driver up next to the psalmist having his reputation ruined by accusations and lies. Undoubtedly, we all could share a story of being hurt by accusations or assumptions. This can lead to negative, painful results. A lost friendship. A job promotion gone wrong. A marriage ended.
The emotions that follow a heartbreak like this nearly always include anger. Whatever the situation, and no matter the degree of frustration, hurt, or disruption, we can turn to God in our anger and trust Him to help us through it.
Rest in Peace.
…Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Eph. 4.26-27
We must return to Eph. 4.26-27 to close out this lesson on anger. What does the writer of Ephesians mean by do not let the sun go down…? I mention this because I have heard many sermons and comments on this short portion of Scripture. There is no need to sound uber-theological in answering the question.
The apostle Paul is talking about the end of the day. For most of us, this means bedtime, unless you work the night shift. Psalm 4 contains a similar phrase (though translated from the Hebrew) that says, …when you are on your beds, search your hearts [meditate] and be silent [be still] (v. 4).4
To summarize, if your day was filled with anything that left you angry…
Ponder the situation before the lights go out.
Search your heart in silent meditation.5
In an attitude of worship, bring all this to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to help you release whatever you are feeling that may not be pleasing to Him.
Rest in peace.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4.8
Take your anger to God, and be at peace.
Here are a few additional Scriptures on the topic of anger: James 1.19-20; Proverbs 15.1; Colossians 3.8
These words are my creation minus the mechanics of artificial intelligence (AI). You are welcome here!
This verse in the ESV Bible says, “Be angry and do not sin…” The point is that in this life, being human, we will experience anger. It’s what we do with it that matters.
You may notice I left a word uncapitalized in this sentence. I have a problem capitalizing on this particular name. It is so undeserved that I sometimes leave it lowercase on purpose.
I love seeing the word “ponder” in this verse (ESV). It reminds me of why this newsletter (my writing) began—to encourage others to ponder the things of God. In Psalm 4.4, ponder means to meditate. Think about that if you will.
Blue Letter Bible.org. https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/psa/4/4/t_conc_482004. Link effective 5/21/2024.
We can pray this Scripture: See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139.24