Theme: Anger
God is concerned about what is happening on the inside of you. If you are angry, God cares. And there are many things to be angry about in these days. The political responses from both sides about COVID-19, the judgment if you wear a mask or not, being out of work, having to stay at home for weeks, caring for kids that are home now and should be in school, losing graduations and sports seasons, and all the other stressful situations we have had to go through in a short time.
But we have to understand anger always has a cost. You always lose when you lose your temper. So it is important when you feel angry to reflect before you react. Here are some questions to reflect on.
Why am I getting angry? (are you hurt, frustrated, or afraid?)
What is this anger costing me? (name it, is it worth it?)
Do I have a choice about this anger? (yes you do!)
When it comes to anger, the heart of the problem is a problem of the heart. When we get angry we like to say, "That’s not like me." The truth is it is like us because we have a heart filled with anger. If you have bad water in the well, painting the pump won’t help. You need a new source of water. That is why prayer is so important. Pray gets the Only One involved who can heal the heart, God. May we read this Scripture from James and pray the anger management prayer as we learn new and healthy ways to deal with anger.
Scripture: James 1:19
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"
Prayer: Anger Management
“Father, my identity is in you and because I was created in your image I have the capacity to experience the emotion of anger. I know anger can lead to sin and forgive me for the times I have sinned in my anger. I confess I am hurt, frustrated, or afraid (tell God specifically how hurt, frustration, and/or fear is creating anger within you). I acknowledge my anger comes from within me, not outside of me. Therefore, I choose not to bottle up my anger, blow up my anger, but rather confess to you my anger and ask you to fill me with gratitude. Anger always costs me something and I don't want it to cost me from remembering all the blessings you have given me (reflect on the blessings in your life and be filled with gratitude). Help me to make two decisions today and everyday. First, to be quick to listen to people and second, to be slow to speak. These are two things I can do and choose to do because I know if I do I will be slow to become angry. May I learn how to handle anger in a way that is controlled and healthy. And may I learn to be angry about the things that anger you. Thank you for the emotion of anger and help me to manage it in a healthy way that pleases you. In Jesus' name, Amen.”