My mom used to say I had the energy of three people. I had no way to know that energy would lead to outbursts and that I’d need to learn to overcome anger biblically.
Whenever my grandmother kept me when I was a child, I would spend as much time as possible racing around the backyard, digging in the dirt, and climbing the tree outside my grandfather’s garage. Those times were often interrupted with Grandmother’s reminders: “Georgia, tuck in your blouse. Little girls keep their blouses tucked in.”
One day I guess I hit my limit. Grandmother was out on the second-floor balcony hanging up wet laundry while I was playing in the bedroom. Then, when she told me to tuck in my blouse, instead of obeying, I slammed the door between the balcony porch and her bedroom. It automatically locked and trapped my grandmother outside.
I was angry, and with hands-on-hips, I enjoyed a moment of defiance. When I changed my mind moments later, my small fingers couldn’t move the rusty latch on the door. Grandmother had to climb over the railing and down the treacherous 10-foot support post to escape from the balcony.
Finally, as she reached the ground she hollered, “Georgia, you are a bad girl! What kind of child would lock her grandmother on a balcony?”
At that age, my mind couldn’t make the distinction that my poor behavior didn’t make me a “bad person.” For years later, I rarely admitted I was angry.
Tips to Overcome Anger Biblically
As an adult, I learned that anger can be useful. Let’s look at some ideas for redirecting anger into something positive.
- Do something physical. Any activity that requires physical exertion is helpful and can help dissipate anger. Take a brisk walk, clean the house, cook, knead bread dough, or pound nails.
- Seek the Lord by praying, reflecting, and meditating. Pray for God’s guidance and ask him to show you how to express your anger constructively. One way is to ask, “Lord, how do you want me to respond to this?” or “Lord, I’m furious. What do you want me to do with this anger?”
- Begin writing in a journal. Journals are safe places to unload toxic thoughts. Then, as you write, you’ll begin to shed your deep hurts and irritations. Make sure you keep your journal in a secure place.
- Openly share your feelings. Whether you talk to a counselor, caring friend, or coach, a good listener can help you identify your feelings, sort out what’s going on, and express your aggravation constructively.
- Most importantly, get rest, eat well, and set priorities. If every little thing is annoying you, it’s time for some rest and pampering. Our problems can appear much smaller after a great meal and a good night’s sleep.
When I was a little girl and angrily slammed the door and trapped my grandmother on the balcony, I didn’t understand that anger is a powerful human emotion that needs to be controlled. Since then, I’ve discovered that the real issue isn’t whether I get angry, but what I do with that anger.
Your Turn
Which constructive way of redirecting anger do you feel will be most helpful in your own life?
Warmly,
Georgia Shaffer
P.S. Today’s content was adapted from Taking Out Your Emotional Trash. If you’d like to read more, you can purchase your copy of the book here.
Or if you prefer to work with a coach as you work to overcome difficult habits, you can find out more information at www.GeorgiaShaffer.com/coaching/
Scripture:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19, NIV.
