And “don’t sin by letting anger control you”……for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Eph 4:26-27NLT
When this verse came across my daily reading today it hit a nerve.
Struggling with chronic pain, I have come to realize that anger sets in most when I lose control of the pain.
It is a daily struggle to keep my focus off the pain, but some days it seems impossible.
During these times I have to fall to my knees and cry out to God. Where I have no control, He is in control. My focus goes off the anger, off the pain, and onto Him. If I don’t, anger can set off a series of sins through harsh words, broken promises, and incomplete responsibilities. Others are hurt by my anger response.
The verse does not say ‘anger is a sin’, it says ‘do not sin by letting anger control you’.
I must step away from anger when it seeks to lead me into sin. In stepping away from the anger, I must step toward something – that something must be God for me to feel peace.
I have told you these things, so that in my you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Giving in to the anger is a choice. Realizing and accepting the anger is a choice I must make.
It’s a daily choice, sometimes even a minute-by-minute choice. I choose God’s peace.
Lord, I cannot do this alone. Thank you for those around me who hold me accountable. Thank you for loving and accepting me even in my sinful nature. Forgive me for my sin and help me to continue, daily, to choose you and your peace. Amen.