Anger & Rest

Let’s talk about anger. We have all had a moment (or multiple) where we feel angry for various reasons. As a child or teen, this could be anger towards a parent because we weren’t allowed to do something. As a young adult, this could be towards school or because you don’t know what you want in a career. As an adult this could be towards work because it is stressful. Let’s learn more about anger; is it okay and what do we do with it?

Ephesians 4:26 says: “Be angry.” Wait what?? We can be angry?

“Be angry and do not sin.” → Paul is saying that it’s okay to be angry but don’t act on it. Don’t let that anger motivate you because negative things and sin can come from it. It’s what you do with your anger that is important.

The second half of Ephesians 4:26 and verse 27 says: “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.”

“Don’t go to sleep angry” - Many people have heard this saying.

Don’t go to sleep angry because then the devil has won; don’t give the devil that opportunity. 

In Psalm 4, David says the same thing. 

“Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still” (Psalm 4:4).  

→ Lay in bed, reflect, and find peace, trust, and rest in God. 

David shows us what he reminds himself in Psalm 4:8 “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.”

→This can be important for us to remember during hardships when we may feel angry. Take a moment as you lay in bed. Be still. Reflect and talk to God. 

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check” (Proverbs 29:11). 

A wise person is one who fears the Lord. One who trusts in God finds rest in Him, and talks to God about what is causing the anger instead of acting on it. 

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:32). 

If we have anger towards another person, we are reminded here that God forgives and His grace is bigger than anything anyone could do to you to cause you that anger. Find peace in Him and be reminded of His grace. 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13). 

Takeaways

1. Don’t act on your anger. Reflect and talk to God.

2. Find rest in God. He is our shelter. 

3. Forgive others as God has forgiven you.