This week's chapter is an enigma in a way: "The Joy of Understanding Anger." Somehow, I don't think it joyful to think about anger - however, when you realize it CAN BE overcome with God's help, that is indeed a joyful thought!
In the past, I will admit, I've had some problems with anger. A book that was very helpful to me was The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo. There is a book and a study guide. I won't get into the myriad of things I thought I had to be angry about, but in dealing with these issues, I too have learned a lot about anger. Our pastor says all anger is basically directed at God. Why? Because if you're angry at a person, WHO put that person in your life? God. If you're angry about circumstances, WHO put that situation in your life? God. If you're angry about injustice in the world, WHO allowed it all to happen. God. That doesn't mean God sets out to make us miserable or unhappy or mad, it means He wants us to learn, grow, trust Him, and ultimately give Him the glory. Not easy stuff. (at least not for me)
In fact, in this chapter's study, I read a concept that totally made sense to me. Being angry, along with other sinful behavior, comes very natural to people! Have you ever seen an angry baby?? Who taught it to be angry? No one! It comes naturally. On the contrary, as we grow in Christ and learn about the fruits of His Spirit (love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, etc), we realize those traits are SUPERNATURAL. A quote from my book is, "The more mature we are spiritually, the more our instantaneous reactions will pattern those of our Lord Jesus Christ." When we are able to react without anger, it is "a mark of miraculous love and forgiveness which is a natural part of God's nature, not our own." I fear I have a long way to go on this one.
The other thing I realized is that I say I'm not as angry as I used to be; however, I frequently use the words "frustrated," "irritated," and "annoyed." Well, guess what?! Those words might more accurately be replaced with "I'm ANGRY." Why? Because things aren't going MY way, people aren't reacting like *I* want them to, and something is just a general nuisance and interruption in MY life and plans.
There were a ga-billion other things I learned in this chapter - or was reminded of - but another one that stood out to me was the fact that anger and pride are basically twins. Anger is all about ME, which is a prideful expression of our own will. The opposite of pride is humility, which is what we should strive for. More good advice, "Humility does not clench a fist around its rights making God pry loose one finger at a time. Rather, a humble spirit willingly opens its hand to God with childlike trust."
No one can conquer anger without submitting their heart and life to God completely. It begins in the mind. There are so many verses given in the study, but one I've come across a lot even before I had this book is II Corinthians 10:5b, "...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Anger is something that is natural to every human being, and that emotion in and of itself is not the sin. How we react to anger is the key: do we give in to our anger and wallow in its sinful, damaging, self-glorifying ugliness OR do we give it to God and ask Him for strength to control our minds and give over our will and let go of the injustices? If we make the right choice, there is definitely JOY in understanding (and overcoming) anger.
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