Anger

Anger is such a problem in our world and in our homes. I am not sure when I realized that I can't seem to control my outburst and have them on a daily basis. Maybe, it happened when I turned 40???? (LOL)

So, here is the game plan- and the only way I know I can over come negative behavior. Allow God to work it out in me and use his word as a sward. Memorizing verses is not something that comes easily to me BUT I have to keep at it.

The best way I know to do this is to plaster the scripture all over the house. I put sticky notes of the verse in all the places that I frequent. (bathroom, kitchen, car)

Numbers 14:18

The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 29:11

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

I think it is important to evaluate why the anger is happening. I don't think anyone becomes an angry person over night. Some of us may have personalities that are bent towards anger but that is not an excuse to keep on sinning.

I am starting to go back and look at my past outbursts and then evaluate how they could have been avoided.

Here are some of what I find to be true in my life:

PROBLEM: Being tired-never taking time to rest. Therefore, anger is easier to fall into. SOLUTION: I need to direct my days so that I am not filling them to the point that I am so tired I loose my cool with the family.

PROBLEM: stress- am I allowing inside and outside stresses to direct my emotions and cause me to have a short fuse. Stress is inevetable but how I choose to deal with it is key. Am I taking on stresses that are not mine to take on. Can I look at a situation that is stresfull and see it instead as a blessing from the Lord. I have been without a car for most days lately. I can see that as a stress because I cant get to the places that I want to get to or I can look at it as a blessing- being home more has it's advantages. I spend less money and I can clean out those closets that need cleaning.

PROBLEM: the need to have things clean and orderly all the time. This is a big one for me. When I see messes that are left behind I can feel my blood preasure rising. SOLUTION: I need to learn how to lower my expectations on my home. Do I need to avoid having a once a week card game at my house if it makes me crazy all week to keep the house clean.

PROBLEM: expectations. sometimes my expectations cause me to get angry because I expect more than I should. SOLUTION:Would lowering my expectations create more peace and harmony in my home and outside of my home.

PROBLEM: Idols- have I created idols in my life that have caused me to love them more than the relationships of friend and famiy. SOLUTION: recognize what are the idols in my life and get rid of them. some of my idols: computer, stuff, time etc.......

This is not at all the end of my lists only the beginning. I think as life happens there will be more things that pop up and present themselves as issues.

Ephesians 5

In my quite time this morning I came across this verse. " Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" How wonderful would it be if we all allowed the Holy spirit to control us. when we do, nothing ugly can come out of us, only pure music, music to Gods ear. When the music is sung it is only natural that the Lord would hear it and all those around us. In the vesrse's just before this one the Lord is telling us to be careful in how we live and not to act like fools. How many times have I been a fool this past week? Have I made the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days? Scripture also says, "Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do." We are not perfect but scripture says we must TRY and understand what God is wanting us to do. I know I will be taking time to mediate on what is good and trying to understand what the Lord would have me do today to bring him glory. Only then will the music be heard.

Love,

Adrienne