Quick to Anger

Is it just me or does it seem like everyone is so quick to get angry and irritated these days, myself included?  Every where I turn, people are angry about something and most of the time they are angry over something little that does not even warrant enough energy to get angry.  If you are going to get angry, at least make it over something worth while like an injustice committed towards something not because of something that someone said or did and it hurt your feelings and you did not get your way.

We have all fallen victim to the "big baby" syndrome but there comes a time when you just have to let things go and let things roll off your back.  I know first hand this is easier said then done but it is much better for your health and mental state.  The bible warns of being easily provoked in Ecclesiastes 7:8 - 10:

"The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.  Do not say, "why were the former days better than those?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this."

Most situations truly are better after they are dealt with and over.  How often do we say, "wow, glad that's over!" They usually just take a little bit of patience.  "Everything ended up working out, I was worried and upset for no reason."  We have all wondered why things were better in the past when it comes to some situations compared to how they are now.  "Last time, things weren't like this, they were so much better!"  But I don't think anyone wants to be called a fool! Ouch! Now that hurts!

I can not think of a better reason to refrain from being quick to anger. "Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools!" WOW! If you think about it, that is exactly where people usually harbor anger - right in their bosom.  Right there in their heart.  They hold on to it tight and they keep it close.

When I feel myself becoming easily angered and irritated, I have to examine myself.  Like the old saying goes, sometimes you have to check-in with God for a check-up and ask God to reveal why you respond and act a certain way.  Usually the source is frustration with a part of my life.  Frustration due to not trusting in God and not having the patience to wait on Him to work out life's situations.  It is definitely better to be patient and wait on God, rather than being prideful and doing things on your own.  When you take yourself out of the equation, it reduces the anger and frustration.

For others, that anger comes from guilt and dissatisfaction with where they are in their life.  The good news is that if you do feel guilt, repent, God will forgive you.  The hard part is is forgiving ourselves and taking the necessary steps to fix whatever is wrong.  The key thing to remember is that with God all things are possible!  If you are dissatisfied with your life, the same thing applies.  Take the necessary steps to change whatever it is that you are dissatisfied with.  If you need help doing that, you might want to consider a life coach. (Shameless plug - Bright Life Solutions would be happy to assist you. =) ) 

Usually, it's other people that tend to make us angry but we have to be more like God.  In many scriptures throughout the bible we read how God is slow to anger.  Let's take Psalms 103:8 for example: "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy".   Another translation reads: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."  We also need to show folks some mercy, grace and compassion.  When we remember that God shows us those things at times when we do not deserve it, we also have to show His love to other people whom we feel might not deserve it.  It definitely takes some patience and commitment to be slow to anger, and it definitely takes the love of God.  Some people are not easy to love if we try to do it in our own strength.  Some people we just do not want to love; but if we have a true to desire to be more like God and represent His kingdom, we have to learn to love all people.  If we do not learn to love, we are no better than the person who made us angry. 

"A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays (make less or alleviate) contention (arguments or lack of agreement). " Proverbs 15:18

I do not think anyone wants to be known as someone who consistently stirs up strife.  We would rather be known as peacemakers or the one who is slow to anger to diffuse the situation instead of adding more fuel to the fire.

So the next time someone pushes your buttons, take a deep breath and do a mental assessment of the situation.  Is it really worth your time and energy to get angry or will it be better for your mind, body, and spirit to let it go.