The Foothold of Anger

  And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”
 Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
         Ephesians 4:26,27 NLT

Neil Anderson likens our emotions to the lights on the dashboard of our car.  They give us information about what is going on in our hearts, minds and bodies.  God created us with emotions, with the capacity to feel.  No emotion is a sin, unless it controls us, shutting down our connection and obedience to God.

Anger is a familiar emotion.  It indicates that something we want or expected is being blocked.  When acknowledged it should lead us to solving the problem before us.  I know that what can trigger my anger is my failure to understand and use technology.  It feels like it deliberately gets harder to operate when it knows it is me trying to do something with it!  Now if I stop and recognize what I am believing in that moment, I would see that what I feel is not true.  When I do that, the feeling of being blocked and my anger dissipate and come under control.

Have you noticed that the atmosphere lately has been filled with anger, created by fear and the hopelessness that comes with it?  Let’s not allow our anger, let alone someone else’s anger or fear control us. When we are angry, the old sinful nature steps in dragging us back into the darkness of selfishness and despair.  Satan sees an open door to destroy the progress we have made in becoming more like Christ and all that the Father created us to be, and moves in to make things worse.

So, let’s put on our spiritual armor daily, especially our boots of peace of mind and heart, and slam that devilish door shut!  Smile, the Lord is still on the throne.  He is sovereign and we belong to him.  We are loved and our destiny is secure in Christ.  He is our defender and provider.  He will use all things for our good and his glory, if we let him.  Whatever we feel is blocking us today, our God is bigger.  He has already won the battle for us!  Let’s give the anger to him and receive his peace.

Dear friends, be blessed as you daily remember to whom you belong.  May every barrier that may appear to block you today be overwhelmed by Jesus’ truth and love.  Remember you have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you through it.  Be thankful that every problem comes with an opportunity to learn and grow.  As you do, be blessed to change the atmosphere around you.  Amen.
Mary Sumner ~ October 22, 2024