Anger Management
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”
– Psalm 37:7
David uses a word we do not often use in our society today. He tells us not to fret. The original word is “charah,” and it means to burn or be kindled with anger. All it means is do not get angry. We are not to get bent out of shape because of the ungodly things going on in the world. There are going to be plenty of evildoers. They will have power, influence, and make decisions that will affect our lives. Yet, we are reminded by David not to fret.
You and I, as believers, should be careful that we are not becoming angry. Anger, if not controlled, turns into far worse conditions of the heart. You may think to yourself, “well, I’m angry, but it is a righteous anger.” Yet how many times does our righteous anger turn into hatred? The Bible says, “Be angry, and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26). Only one man was able to obey this command completely, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hatred is something that can quickly overtake us. David reminds us that God is at work, and we need to stay out of His way. After all, can you imagine if the ungodly policymakers and government officials showed up with us in heaven? It can happen! Nothing is impossible for God! We may think they do not deserve to be in heaven but guess what, neither do we!
It is God’s grace and mercy that called us to repentance. It was all a work of God, and we need to remember it was nothing we did in and of ourselves. Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins, is God’s gift to us. We may reap what we sow, but Jesus forgives us of our sins. And, we need to remember this. God did it for us, and He can do it for anyone. So do not fret. Our anger may push people away from the Lord but His mercy will draw them close.
“The harlot, the liar, the murderer, are short of it; but so are you. Perhaps they stand at the bottom of a mine, and you on the crest of an Alp; but you are as little able to touch the stars as they. Everyone falls short, but everyone can be justified freely by His grace.”
– Bishop Moule