Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
1 15 2024
Hurt often materializes into Anger – What does God say?
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins. Proverbs 29:22 (NIV)
What is the root cause of anger in the Bible?
Anger becomes a sin when it is allowed to boil over without restraint, resulting in a scenario in which hurt is multiplied (Proverbs 29:11)
The Biblical Counseling Coalition says this about a heart of Anger
The root of sinful anger grows in a heart that is self-centered and idolatrous. Because we live in a society that screams constantly about “rights,” when our perceived rights are violated, we become angry.
For example:
Women champion their “right to choose,” homosexuals fight for the rights of marriage, children claim a right to privacy, and husbands claim a right to sexual relations. How many of these are biblical rights?
Right to have and express personal opinions.
Right to respect
Right to be understood
Right to be treated fairly
Right to belong, to be loved, to be accepted.
Right to make your own decisions
Right to determine your own future
Right to be considered worthwhile and important
Right to be protected and cared for
Right to have fun
Right to security and safety
Much of the problem of depression is wrapped up in wanting to control God—and our anger at being unable to do so. God’s will violates your perceived rights. When He makes decisions, you don’t like, you become angry. You internalize that anger, becoming full of self-pity because God is not doing things your way. Angry people do not understand the sovereignty of God, or if they do understand it, they refuse to accept it.
Anger is typically self-centered, idolatrous, and comes from wanting control of God or others and being unable to do so. So God being sovereign makes decisions you don’t like, you may blow up, and make everyone’s life miserable or you “clam up”, internalize your anger, and become full of self-pity because God and others are not doing what you want.
I want my way, or I want relief from suffering, or I want someone or something to change that will make everything alright again, or to control others, to control god, or I have a right. All of these lead to bitterness, loneliness, lack of contentment, envy, depression, and self-pity.
But God is sovereign. Most have heard that term but don’t live with that as a core belief. The Bible has this to say to those who become angry at the will of a sovereign God:
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?” Romans 9:20 (NIV)
Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Job 38:2 (NLT)
Then the LORD said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job 40:1-2 (NLT)
Look, Not all anger is sinful. Jesus was angry in Mark 3:5 But, It was righteous anger, like when we see social or personal evil or that God’s holy standards are being violated. But these are not rooted in “Self”.
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. Proverbs 20:22 (NLT)
I would also encourage you to grow in your understanding of the sovereignty of God. God is completely trustworthy and is completely aware of the circumstances that caused you to become angry. As you gain even a rudimentary understanding of the sovereignty of God, it will totally revolutionize your thinking. You will begin to understand that true wisdom comes from looking at life from God’s perspective. When you do this you take yourself out of the center of your universe.
A heart that is God-centered will change your attitude. For instance:
I want God to be glorified.
God is sovereign!
I will not respond in sinful anger this time.
I will trust that god has my best interest at heart.
I don’t have to have my way.
I am mindful that I have very few legitimate rights.
What is your list of rights? Can you back them up with Scripture? Sinful anger will not JUST go away. It can become entrenched and lead to bitterness. You may need some counseling, but this is a good place to start. Hurt often materializes into Anger but don’t let it. Give it to God!
Lord, I am asking for the Holy Spirit to help me refrain from this anger within. Lord, I lay it at your feet this hurt and aloneness I feel so overwhelmed by, and trust you to work it out according to your plan for me and your will. I know I am not in control but help me lay down what I perceive my rights and privileges are. I surrender them to you every morning so I can walk in your peace, with you in all I do.
Excerpts taken from: Mack, Wayne. A Homework Manual for Biblical The Angry Counselors, Vol 1I (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co.).
Ganschow, Julie. Seeing Depression through the Eyes of Grace (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2006).
RED ROCKS WORSHIP GOOD PLANS
