When We're AngrySýnishorn

For those of us who wrestle with anger, the good news is that God gets angry too. In fact, the Bible is full of stories where God’s anger burns against those who are faithless or unjust. (See Exodus 15:7 or Numbers 11:1-2 for examples.) Our anger is part of how we reflect God’s image and, like fire, a gift from God when held in the proper context. God gave us anger so that when danger comes, we become mama bears who can fend off attackers, defend the vulnerable, and fight injustice.

Unfortunately, the good fire God gives to light the way can also burn out of control. No matter how we typically express our anger, God invites us to listen to it and use it in ways that give life to us and our communities. In this study, we examine anger through the story of Herodias, a mother whose angry grudge leads to murder.

In Herodias’ story, we will see five steps of spiritual transformation that give great hope to moms, especially when we’re angry:

1. God meets us where we are.
2. God asks us to share our story.
3. God calls us to trust and obey.
4. God transforms us and sets us free.
5. God invites us to be agents of shalom.

What do you notice about these five steps? That’s right - they all start with God. As we’ll discover this week, God meets us where we are and then initiates each step along the way.

Your anger doesn’t disqualify you from being a great mom. And it certainly doesn’t disqualify you from being God’s beloved daughter. Instead, it might just be the start of experiencing God’s transformational love for you and those you love.

Prayer:

God, I confess that in my anger I sin. Sometimes I rage, hurting others and breaking relationships. Sometimes, I ignore my holy anger and don’t act on behalf of myself and others. And other times, I swallow my anger, hold a grudge, or seethe with bitterness. Forgive me, God. Teach me to use anger righteously, for the sake of your glory and the shalom of the world. Amen.