Psalms 4-6 - Conquering Anger

Psalms 4-6.  -  How To Deal With Anger

While there are so many things that could be taught in these 3 chapters, there are a couple of verses I want us to focus on.  Why?  Because we NEED TO!

In Psalms 4:4, God warns us of "letting anger gain control over you."  Is anger a problem today?  You bet!

Let me ask you a question, "Have you ever seen someone who seems to be angry all the time?"  How does this person make you feel?  Does this attitude entice you to be around them or does it make you feel uncomfortable?  Does it have an impact on your respect for them?

Anger is one of those emotions that's very tricky.  It can sneak up on you and, before you know it, overtake you!  That's why in the New Testament the writer of the book of Hebrews wrote and solemnly warned in Hebrews 12:15, "BEWARE...LEST A ROOT OF BITTERNESS OVERTAKE YOU...AND DEFILE YOU."


Anger, left alone and not dealt with properly, leads to a deep-seated bitterness!  And when bitterness takes over, everyone (but you) can see it!  A bitter person leaks anger, frustration, and is easily upset.  They aren't even aware of how much or how visible their anger is to others.  And, they get ever angrier if you confront them about it.  Do you know anyone like that?


I like what Mark Twain said, "Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured."


In verse 4 and 5, God gives us the SOLUTION!  He didn't say that anger was wrong or sinful, He simply said that if you do become angry there's something you should do about it.  The first bit of advice He commands of us is to "think about it overnight and be silent."  Be silent and think about it overnight? Wow!  That's tough to do, isn't it?  Be silent!  Did God really say that?  Yes, and it's a command as well!  


As you know, most of us want to let our anger be known immediately.  When someone offends us, we feel it's our place and duty to let them know right away...right?  No!  God says to "be silent" and then "think about it overnight."  In other words, hold your tongue, and give some real time to the issue or issues at stake.  He wants us to really give some thought as to "why" we're so angry about it.  When you give time to your issue or issues and think through them, you'll be in a better emotional place to handle the issue.  It will keep you from doing and saying something you'll eventually and forever regret.


I can't tell you how many times this verse has saved me from irreparable harm to others!!  In anger, we often begin to lash out and say things to elaborately flow out of our mouths, things we never intended to say, or don't even mean. When we give in to anger (when it hits), we need to keep in mind that it can lead to an eventual upheaval of words and actions we may ALWAYS regret, even as early as the NEXT DAY!  Has that ever happened to you?


When I'm really angered by something to the point I feel as though I can't take it any more, I immediately (or before I go to bed at night) go and write out my anger issue.  I open up my word processor and start writing furiously the things that I'm so upset about!  And, I write my letter as though I'm going to send those who have offended me the letter.  But, I don't.  95% of the time, by the time I write out all of my frustrations down on paper, I'm completely over the issue!  I can then go to bed and sleep peacefully rather than stir the sheets all night long.  Isn't that weird?  But, isn't that also a better way?  It happens to me all the time!  And this process has worked with so many other friends I know!  


Listen, God knows what we need to lead a peaceful life.  Follow His suggestions, and then practice verse 5 - "trust in the Lord."  Have faith in God in knowing that He FULLY understands the anger issues you are facing and through your prayers to Him, He can immediately or eventually work things out!  Remember, God works on a different time table than we do...but that's another lesson.