Angry, Angry!

Genesis 4:6 – Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?" (NIV)

Rebuke is pouring from my lips. Why am I so angry? My beloved wife is looking at me with a hurt expression in her eyes. She has done nothing that deserves this anger, but the emotion fills me. It is all I can do not to jump up and down and hurl screaming imprecations. Nothing good will come of this. I am acting against my beliefs, against my own intelligence. God help me, what can I do?

Genesis 4:7 – If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (NIV)

"Master it": my orders are very clear. I must choose a different path. Somehow, I must not give in to anger, no matter that it rears its ugly head day after day. Though it dogs my heels, waits for me in ambush and never seems to let up, I am still supposed to beat it. Lord, I am overwhelmed by this… please help me; show me the way.

Ephesians 4:26-27 – "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV)

Matthew 5:22a,23-24 – But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (NIV)

When we are angry, God tells us to control our actions, even if we cannot banish our feelings of anger. We must humbly ask forgiveness from those whom we have offended, then pray to God and trust in Him.

Psalm 4:3-5 – Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

Prayer: Amen!