Bring Anger Under Submission

There seems to be a natural expectation deep inside all of us that when we set out to accomplish a task that it should just ‘flow.’ Things ought to run smoothly to completion and our goal should be achieved. We feel that whether we are constructing a house, building a marriage or family, manufacturing a product, or just cleaning a room, we anticipate its successful conclusion as we follow through on our efforts. We have witnessed the dependable nature of seed-time and harvest over the years, along with the miracle of created life that surrounds us in all of its beauty and faithfulness, so we assume that in our own endeavors there should be that same measure of predictability. At least that’s the way we think things will work out.

Real life is full of frustration, or futility as the Bible puts it, and that frustration stirs in us a common emotional expression called anger. Anger can flare up so quickly and be so volatile because it is fueled by the selfish desire to have things go the way we want them to go. When plans are thwarted or circumstances turn against us, we can easily get mad and display that frustration in words, actions, attitude and violence. Those reactions are really our distorted way of passing judgment against whomever or whatever has thrown a “monkey wrench” into our otherwise perfect plan or task. Such is the terrible and extremely selfish nature of the “anger of men.”

The Holy Spirit has a monumental goal of bringing redemption to this emotional outburst called anger! He works to release us from its manipulation and change the root cause of our selfish expectations. God doesn’t want to just forgive our anger; He wants to see us relinquish it altogether because He knows its terrible destructive consequences in us and through us.

Learning to bring anger under submission to Jesus is a lifelong process, but one that brings healing to all our relationships. It allows real progress to be achieved in building the things that really matter in this world. We must stop excusing anger and embrace the peace of God’s presence to handle the frustrations that dog our steps as we walk out our faith every day!

How exciting to be His people,

Pastor David Vanderpool