DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: ANTIDOTE OF ANGER
Read: Ecclesiastes 7:9
MEMORISE: Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
EXPOSITION
The Bible is replete with reasons anger should be undesirable. More so, it is one of the manifestations of the flesh (works of the flesh; Gal. 5:19ff). Anger is part of our emotional make up. Thus, there are times when expressing anger in a controlled fashion may be appropriate (Eph. 4:26). However, the dose of today’s Living Water addresses unhealthy anger which can harm us and others emotionally, physically and spiritually.
If you are with anger, you will not only bring grief to yourself but also to everyone who comes across you. While anger can be hereditary, generational or self-induced/imposed, the following basic therapies can help to reduce this monster to barest minimum:
Let anger alone (Ps. 37:8).
Reduce anger’s intensity (Prov. 17:14).
Learn to relax (Prov. 14:30): Learn simple relaxation methods, which help to reduce anger feelings. These techniques are breathing deeply, while breathing deeply, repeat these words: “relax”, “let it go” or “take it easy”. Another one is immersing yourself in something you enjoy. Perhaps reading, listening to music, gardening, footballing, walking, or sporting.
Adjust your expectations: Many of us expect “too much” from others. Disappointments which are often inevitable will trigger anger in you; but keep it under check by stopping, henceforth, to expect too much from people. You should realise you are also an imperfect person.
Beyond the above, a Holy-Spirit-filled person can effectively have anger under check. The admonition is: Be anger, and do not sin (Eph. 4:26a). While sinless anger produces righteousness, sinful anger engenders wickedness and destruction (cf. Jas. 1:19,20). Receive the peace of Almighty God today and always.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, remove the seed of anger and bitterness from my life.
2. Oh Lord, help put families that have been torn apart by anger together again.
3. Lord, purge our National Assembly of dirty and dishonourable people who cannot control their homes, much more the nation.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Deuteronomy 29:17 – 32:1; Luke 4:40 – 5:17