I was so angry last week I wanted to yell. But…with yelling usually comes saying things I shouldn’t. (I kind of know this from experience.) So, before I went huffing and puffing into the next room, I prayed.
I asked God to hold my tongue and not let me say what I was thinking. And then I asked Him to help me calm down and diffuse the emotions that were overcoming me.
I didn’t always know to do this, to ask God to keep me from speaking. And even though I know it now, I still don’t always want to pray first because it means thinking first and speaking second.
Or maybe not speaking at all.
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs15:1 NLT
My words were going to be harsh. Anger does that. It makes us act in ugly ways. But, we can learn to control it…if we want to.
God created us with emotions, and anger is a human emotion. It’s not a sin to be angry, but how we act while angry can be sinful.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians4:26-27 ESV
Acting and speaking out of anger fuels the fire in a disagreement. It keeps it going back and forth, and no one wins. Except the enemy. Satan loves it when we give him an easy way in, and uncontrolled anger is an open door.
Whatever I was angry about last week was not worth it. I stayed where I was until I felt calmer. I was still angry, but not like I had been. I believe God answered my prayer by keeping me still and my voice silent. It’s a prayer I’m trying to pray more often.
“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.” Proverbs12:16 NLT
By Laura Rath
Used by Permission
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