The Psalmist's
exhortation seems almost impossible. How does one let anger drop? . . . refrain
from it? . . . abandon it? . . . forsake it? . . . and generally let go of it?
Professional counselors would suggest that you count to ten. I've even heard
some ministers say, "Pray the Lord's prayer before responding in
anger."
I don't know about
you, but anger doesn't usually give me a chance to think or pray. Now, I'm not
making excuses. If the Word of God says, "Refrain from anger" then it
is entirely possible to do so. What I am considering is: how do I get the "refraining"
spirit and attitude active in me?
Maybe I should think
about what ignites my anger. Is it an action? Is it a person? Is it a habit? Is
it me? Is it selfishness? If we ask enough questions and answer them honestly,
we will find the correct answer.
If I can refrain
from it, then the anger resides in me. If I can turn from wrath, then I control
the wrath boiling up in me. If it's me that is fretting, then I must take
responsibility for any evil that comes from me. After all, self-control is a
fruit of the Spirit.
How much damage has
been done by angry people? How many lives have been lost because of human
wrath? How many relationships have been destroyed by fretting people?
The Scripture
clearly indicates that what we humans fret about is not worth the damage done
by the resultant actions of anger and wrath. Fretting leads to anger which
results in wrath. "It only leads to evil." That is enough reason to
let go of it and refrain from it.
Dear Father, thank
you for the exhortation of your Word. Strengthen us that we may refrain from
anger and wrath. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today in your restraint,
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