Living in the Word – Prayer Devotional for Anger
Anger can cause a person to hurt relationships, lose opportunities and live a life far from how God wants them to be.
But where does anger come from?
Anger is used as a way to guard our more vulnerable emotions of sadness, anxiety, and embarrassment. It becomes an inappropriate attempt to protect ourselves but it can turn into a stronghold on our heart.
The more we attempt to shut off our vulnerable emotions the more anger bubbles to the surface.
Our anger is what then leads to negative behaviors. The behaviors is then what gets us in trouble and leads to regret. Yelling at our kids. Spouting off at our husbands. Getting an attitude with a friend or co-worker.
Think back to the last time you got angry. What emotion was actually under the anger? Disappointment? Feeling overwhelmed? Embarrassed by a mistake?
We mask our vulnerable emotions because of past situations and circumstances. Maybe someone teased you when you cried. Or a parent told you to suck it up. Possibly you shared your vulnerable emotions with a trusted person and they responded differently than you expected. All of those situations becomes reinforced ideas that vulnerable emotions aren’t appropriate or beneficial to share.
The result is anger. This is true of all people, young and old. The consequence is biting words and hurt feelings. Remorse and a need for apologies.
But we are called for more than that as Christians. We are called to be slow to anger and employ self-control.
And it takes practice! We have to be willing to address our more vulnerable emotions in more appropriate ways and then learn how to move on from them!
Take the time to read the below bible scriptures and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your own bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.
Proverbs 14:16-17
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
James 1:19-20
My dear bothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with only one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.
Colossians 3:8
but now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these; anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Ephesians 4:26
“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.
Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
I sincerely pray that these verses meet you where you are and help move you to let go of your anger and heal your vulnerable emotions under it.
God bless,
Melissa
What a valuable group of Scripture to meditate on when filled with anger – thank you for sharing them!
The verse from James spoke the most strongly to me this morning,
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
Listen first. Consider. And then ponder more… This feels right for every relationship we have in our lives-whether it’s with our spouse, with children, with parents or siblings or coworkers or anyone!
And with ourselves! We are often quick to get angry with ourselves too! I’m glad a scripture jumped out at you and met you where you are! God Bless!
James 1:19-20 – a good lesson for all of us – not just in how to deal with anger, but a great formula for how to communicate in life
So very true! Thank you for stopping by Andrea. God bless!
One of my favorite verses is “appease an angry man and you will do it again… boy isn’t that the truth! But it can be so hard to stand strong in the face of a wicked temper.
Yes it is! I’m not comfortable with significant anger but I’ve had to be the moderator and calm influence during many therapy sessions and meetings. In each situation I have prayed for God to steady me. Thank you for stopping by Alice! God bless!
What a great set of verses, Melissa! I was an angry child and felt rage on occasion. The Lord has quieted my heart and given me more useful ways to deal with it!
Thank you Julie! When we grow in relationship with God we are better able to allow our vulnerable emotions to be seen and healed so that it doesn’t get to the point of anger. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! God bless!
I can so relate to hiding emotions because of feeling vulnerable! It can be very painful and detrimental, though. I appreciate your wisdom here and the fact that you provide these Bible verses to back up your wisdom with God’s truth!
Yes, we hide our emotions because we don’t want to be hurt. But the process of hiding them only hurts us more. Thank you for stopping by Emily and sharing your thoughts. God bless!