Psalm 37:8 (KJV)
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
The Scripture clarifies that we must let go of anger and abandon wrath, as these emotions only lead to harm and negativity. Anger and wrath are powerful emotions that can cloud our judgment and lead us down a path we might later regret. Ephesians 4:26 powerfully instructs us not to sin by allowing anger to control us, and it emphasizes that we should never let the sun set on our unresolved feelings. Anger is a potent emotion marked by annoyance, displeasure, or hostility and possesses the potential for great destruction. In the hands of the enemy, anger becomes a weapon of devastation, opening the door for bitterness and a host of other destructive behaviors to take root in our hearts. We must consciously choose to rise above anger and foster peace within ourselves. It is written in Job 5:2, “For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.” Anger leads to stress, depression, and other mental health problems. It causes lasting scars in the people we love most and makes it hard for others to trust us. Proverbs 22:24 says, “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.”
Anger is a destructive force that can annihilate a lifetime of accomplishments in seconds. It serves as a destiny-killer, and if we have any doubts, look to the example of Moses. He had the unique honor of speaking to God face to face (Exodus 33:11), a distinction that no one else has ever held. Moses successfully led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and was instrumental in the defeat of the Egyptian army at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:27-28). God performed incredible miracles through him, and he was well on his way to guiding the Israelites to the Promised Land. However, in anger, he undermined his entire mission (Numbers 20:10-12). This is a powerful reminder of the stakes when we let anger take control. Anger is a powerful force that can lead to destructive consequences, even hindering one’s path to the Kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21). As children of God, we must stand firm and refuse to let the devil undermine our destinies through unchecked anger. Many people today are regretful because they allow anger to dictate their actions. Countless lives have been damaged—relationships destroyed, friendships lost, families torn apart, and freedom sacrificed—all due to the failure to manage anger effectively. It’s crucial that we take control and recognize the true impact anger can have on our lives. It is written in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”
Beloved, never let anger dominate your life; it will also dictate how far you go. I wonder how many promised lands you missed because you could not control your anger. Always control your emotions because anger has made many say or do things they would not usually say or do. Don’t let anger take you in a direction that will lead to regrets. Don’t let anyone recruit you into getting angry with someone. Refuse to be influenced by those who are angry with people you like. Learn to exercise patience before you speak or act. Be respectful of the other person, and don’t intentionally make others angry for your benefit. Work on resolving the issue instead of focusing on what made you angry. Forgive everyone who has made you angry. You shall not destroy the good things you have built because of anger in Jesus’ Name. Today, rise above anger, pause, and seek peace instead. Sometimes, it might seem difficult to let go of anger, especially when you’ve been wronged, but holding on to it can harm you more than it does anyone else. Think of anger as a heavy burden. Carrying it around drains your energy, weighs on your heart, and can even impact your relationships and health. Although it’s not always easy, practicing forgiveness liberates your heart and brings peace. Remember, anger doesn’t solve anything, neither does it build anything; it only destroys everything.
O Lord, help me not to be angry but to be able to exercise restraint in the face of provocation in Jesus’ Name.