Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
(Psalm 4:4 NKJV)
I wish angels carried heavenly duct tape so they could prevent me from spewing out words when anger rouses up within me. I can relate to the Apostle Peter. Talking before thinking, and if I’m burning with rage, I’ll be shouting rather than talking. Am I the only one willing to admit I have this problem, or can you relate?
Notice that God allows anger as long as we don’t sin. Anger is a natural emotion. God even gets angry, but God never sins (Num. 16:46, Deut. 9:7, ps. 7:11, and Heb. 10:31). How can we model our heavenly Father when something takes us to our boiling points?
When we see social injustice and sin, we ought to get more than a little annoyed. Jesus cleansed the temple when He saw merchants overcharging the Jews for their required sacrifices (Matt. 21:12-13), and Jesus never sinned. Our tempers should rage when we learn about child abuse, human trafficking, and abortions, but we must avoid bitterness towards the individuals committing these sins. I know, it’s extremely difficult.
What about the fury we experience with a friend, acquaintance, or a loved one?
Let’s dig into our verse. David was outraged at his son Absalom. He had betrayed his father. Like a sly fox working behind David’s back, Absalom devised a plan to bring the Jews over to his side, rather than King David. The men who remained loyal to David fled with the king for their lives while Absalom reigned on the throne belonging to his father. A sad, but infuriating situation, so David turns to God to sort out his troubles.
David prevented his anger from overtaking him through meditation. Instead of acting out, David prayed and contemplated the situation.
Apply that heavenly duct tape and retire to a quiet place, possibly your bed or go for a walk. Prayerfully sort your feelings out with God.
Next, David tells us to remain still. We can’t hear the still, small voice of God when we are busy. How often do you take time to hear God speak? We desperately need to get alone with God in a place where we won’t be interrupted. Listen for God. Then listen to God.
In the following verse, David says that we must offer the sacrifices of righteousness. We don’t offer sacrifices like they did in the Old Testament, but consider the words you want to say or the actions you might want to take. Are they righteous? When I’ve done this, I realize most of my desires aren’t godly.
Instead of doing or saying something we will regret, we must put our trust in the Lord. He is in control, and if someone has slighted us, they have slighted Him. Let God control the situation in His perfect way.
When David handled his indignation God’s way, he was able to lie down in peace and sleep. Isn’t a peaceful rest better than tossing and turning with thoughts of retaliation? Instead of saying, “I’ll show them,” we can allow God to show them… and show us.
I want to commit to the instructions in Psalm four concerning anger. I want to choose God’s way instead of the way I often choose. How about you? Will you give David’s method a try?
Lord, I know my anger isn’t sinful, but sin sits at the doorstep of anger. Apply that heavenly duct tape until I can get alone with You. Please provide me a route of escape so I don’t displease You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
How would you apply this Scripture if you cannot remove yourself from the person or situation?
Tired of your emotions being the boss of you? Do you struggle with discouragement, fear or worry? Possibly even depression? Imagine if you could live free from the overwhelming bondage negativity brings. Learn more here.
Originally posted on July 5, 2021 @ 8:02 am
Anger is an emotion I never expressed outward very often. My peer who abused me never allowed me to express anger as expressing anger was not worth the consequence I got for doing so. At home I only saw my dad angry outwardly once and my mom only a couple of times. Anger was just something to be expressed outwardly when I was growing up. I learned very quickly to stuff my anger deep inside and bury it. Even to this day I do not verbally express any anger. My introverted side despises conflict anyway so expressing anger means conflict and I avoid conflict. So I still keep anger to myself. But as I have grown with Jesus I have also chosen to not get angry at most things. My anger will change nothing but leave me bitter. Either by being an introvert I prefer being a peace keeper or I was taught to just stuff that emotion I will never know this side of heaven but I choose to not outwardly express anger because I also have chosen to not become angry in the first place.