God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downনমুনা

Resolve Feelings of Anger

Challenging times can bring about many emotions in the hurting heart. One of those emotions is anger. When suffering or facing tough circumstances there may be many feelings at the root of your anger. You may feel betrayed by God, and wonder why He allows evil in the world. You may question, “If God loves me, why did He allow this to happen? Why won’t He take away the pain?” These and other questions can evoke anger toward God. Your anger may also stem from feelings of grief as a result of loss, or from insecurity as you face major, unexpected life changes and an unclear future.

Though anger is a natural, human emotion and a normal part of the journey toward healing, left unchecked, anger can be a dangerous emotion that may lead to sin such as resentment. If not resolved, anger can give the enemy an opportunity to destroy your hope, steal your peace, poison your heart with bitterness, damage relationships, and keep you from moving forward.

You can face and resolve your anger by first being honest with yourself and with God about what you are feeling. He is big enough to handle your anger and to help you resolve it. Talk to Him about your doubts and fears and what is causing rage in your heart. He will not turn His back on you. Tell Him, “God, I am so angry!” Then, give your angry feelings to the Lord and trust Him to replace those feelings with peace, forgiveness, and strength. Freedom from unchecked anger is the freedom to heal.

Taking back your life

1. Talk with someone who would be comfortable listening to you vent your anger. Discuss the feelings that may be at the root of this emotion. Identifying these feelings and expressing them verbally will help you to work through your anger.
2. Hebrews 10:30 says, “For we know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’” How can you apply this Scripture to your feelings about those who let you down?
3. If you have harbored anger in your heart, confess this anger to God, and if applicable and possible, to the one who has hurt or offended you. Then release your anger by forgiving them. Not only is forgiveness a requirement to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14), but resolving your anger and forgiving those who have hurt you will free your heart to truly heal. Have you, in anger, hurt or offended your spouse, child, or someone else during this difficult time? If so, repent by confessing this to God and that person, and ask for forgiveness. Then prove your repentance and sincerity by controlling your anger (see Acts 26:20).