Anger

My thoughts seem jumbled, my actions harsh.  I feel like I am pulled in every direction and it makes me angry.  Not because I am angry at others, but mostly at myself.  I have let myself fall into that trap that is set by the enemy.  I give in to my anger and lash out. Angry people usually justify their anger, saying it's someone else's fault they are angry. Yet the Bible repeatedly warns us against giving in to anger when we are upset by other people's words or actions. There is such a thing as righteous anger.  And sometimes we need to talk about problems or deal with dangerous situations. (Even at these times, we must exercise self-control.) Yet most of the time, our anger is not righteous.  As James wrote, "Man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (James 1:20). When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people's welfare and being a good witness for God. God does not want us to simply react emotionally to others' actions.  Instead, we should respond with wisdom and a gentle spirit. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24). "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 (Ephesians 4:26-7). God gives me the wisdom and courage to act in His way, I must be the one to act upon it. My anger only leads to resentment, more anger and sin. He tells me I must love my enemy, but sometimes I have problems doing just that. Does that make me bad?  No, but it does mean that I have to try harder to act the way He wants me to act. Be the person He wants me to be.  Because, as you know, I am a sinner saved by His grace! In Christ, Rick