Psalms: Dealing with Difficult EmotionsSample

Dealing with Anger 

How do you deal with anger that results from the pain of injustice and evil? Some seek vengeance. Religious people try to control their anger and suppress it. This makes them smile on the outside and resent on the inside. As anger seethes within, we become cynical, hurt, bitter, suspicious, and withdrawn and live out of that pain. If we don’t deal with anger, it becomes a controlling emotion. All of life is seen through the prism of our anger and hurt. It affects every aspect of life and distorts and disfigures us. 

The Psalmist remembers violent injustice, insults and taunts, threats and destruction in the past. The remembrance causes weeping. But the injustice rages anger within. There is a cry for justice in this Psalm. 

When you deal with your anger, know that God understands your anger. It is not hidden and He is not surprised. God understands our hurt, pain, and cry for justice. We are called to bring our anger before God. Pray your anger. Seek God and not vengeance. Be angry and do not sin. How is this possible? Is it possible to bring my anger, hurt, disappointments before God and not take it out on people? 

The reason why we can pray our anger to God is because we know that He is the ultimate judge. He goes into action on our behalf. We may never get perfect justice in this world. But we know that one day when the ultimate judge comes, He will make all things right. God is a righteous judge. And because He is the ultimate judge, you and I don’t have to seek vengeance. 

Know that on the cross, Jesus pays for all the injustice done against us. He took it upon Himself to pay for it with His perfect life and death. But He also pays for our wickedness and the injustice we have committed against others. And because of His sacrifice, we don’t have to face the wrath of God’s judgment. The gospel moves my heart. The gospel comforts me in my pain. The gospel heals my hurt. It is at the cross that I can get true justice and true mercy. 

The gospel not only heals your anger but also gives you power to overcome your anger. Don’t let Jesus be hidden from your hurt and anger. You can find rest and healing when you bring your anger to Him.