Righteous Anger?

Anger or Righteous Anger?

“If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
    Your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:19-24 NIV

“I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.” Booker T. Washington

There is so much anger on television and social media! The lines are drawn. Deception and corruption are evident. Threats are made and, sadly, in some cases, carried out. Revenge and punishment are rampant. Destruction of property and hearts. Powerlessness reigns supreme. Victims are made.

Then the anger of being in a dysfunctional family, like the Black Sheep, Scapegoat, or another label (not true, by the way) is burned on your psyche and heart.  That powerlessness leads to addiction, rage, threats, abuse, and Pow! We’re spiraling down the drain!

The anger from my childhood still bubbles up and can ruin my day. So… What is this anger trying to tell me? Boundaries? Forgiveness? Loving detachment? Counsel with a professional or trusted friend? Always pray. It’s empowering. Someone’s words and actions do not get the last say. I am not a victim.

Go running. Dig in the garden. Call a trusted friend. And then ask yourself this: What is this anger trying to tell me? What do I need to do to make myself feel better? It could be caused by the world situation, but probably something inside me too. Even David in the above Psalm knew that God needed to search him and his heart.

Control. Can’t be done, except with myself. Even that is limited without spiritual help through the Holy Spirit and other Christian believers. I can be God, or I can let God. The way things are, I’m glad every day that I am not God.

Musings

Righteous anger is anything that violates God’s laws. My anger is triggered by anything that violates my ego, expectations, and pride. I don’t see as the Father does. But I can use anger to make a positive change. Let the Father search my heart. Easy? No. Never. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. What is your anger saying? What will make you feel better?

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for taking our anger. Sometimes it’s anger that gets us out of ourselves and back to where it belongs: Your will.

Thank you for the opportunities to make a positive difference. Sometimes righteous anger is the fuse for positive action. You want us to care for ourselves, others, and your world. Empower us with your spirit today to make a positive change.

Remind us that revenge is yours. You could have done that to us. Thank you that you didn’t.

Amen.