Anger

If you’ve never read the story of Balaam the prophet, do yourself a favor and read the full account in Numbers 22–24. In short, Balak, the king of Moab, was angry that the Israelites were camped near him. He saw what they had done to other nations and feared they’d also attack Moab and wipe out his people. King Balak decided his best course of action would be to call down a curse on the Israelites; he sent messengers to the prophet Balaam to retain his services.

Balaam did the right thing and asked God whether or not he should go. God told him to stay put because the Israelites were His chosen people. So far, no harm, no foul. However, Balaam’s refusal to curse the Israelites didn’t sit well with King Balak, so he sent another group of officials to dangle a handsome reward in front of him. Well, it turns out Balaam hadn’t much liked God’s decision when He said not to go the first time. Smelling a serious payday, the opportunist Balaam asked for God’s instructions again. This time God said, “Go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do” (Numbers 22:20).

The next day, Balaam saddled his donkey and headed out—and that’s where things got interesting. God sent an Angel, sword drawn, to block the road because Balaam was acting recklessly (verse 32). Although Balaam completely missed this supernatural event, his donkey saw the danger and scurried off into a field to avoid the wrath of the Angel. What did Balaam do? He beat his donkey and continued on his way. The Angel appeared a second time in a narrow passageway, and the donkey pressed up against the wall to avoid the danger, crushing Balaam’s foot. Once again, Balaam was so angry he beat his donkey silly.

When it happened a third time and Balaam’s anger flared into another beating of the poor donkey with his staff, the donkey spoke up. Literally. God enabled this beast of burden to have a conversation with Balaam. Nothing like a talking animal to get your attention! You’ll have to read for yourself what happened next. . . .

You might be thinking, Yeah, Phil, but I’ll tell you what, my grandpa had a short temper, my dad had a short temper, and that’s just the way I am. Well, I’m here to say, “Sorry, that doesn’t cut it.” In fact, unchecked anger leads to death (see Romans 1:28–32).

But if you listen carefully to that still, small voice inside of you, you’ll hear the Holy Spirit calling you to change, to respond in faith so that you can break the chain of bad habits and free yourself from your anger.

Taken from The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible