Anger Is But One Letter From Danger

 When we sober up and come into recovery, most of us quickly recognize that we have an anger problem.  Losing our temper over something said or done and allowing anger to take control does great damage. While we may think that expressing anger is a sign of strength, it is actually allowing our weakness to show.  For us to get well we need to learn new ways to handle stressful, irritating, and fearful circumstances. 

 It is equally damaging to keep anger bottled up inside.  It hurts and keeps on hurting us and too often turns to resentment and bitterness that leads to emotional and physical illness. The longer we allow anger to live in us, the less effective we will be in the work that we were created to do that will bring us joy and satisfaction. 

 Most anger management programs train us to deal with anger that has risen within us.  God wants us to go one level deeper and let Him help us deal with the improper yearnings that fuel most of our angry outbursts.  God’s word tells us that selfishness is at the root of much of our anger.  God's best anger management tool is prayer – to tell God what is going on and ask God for what we need. 

 Many of us are too familiar with getting what we want when we want it.  With God’s help, we can be gracious and patient with ourselves and others as we learn to trust God for all that we need. 

Prayer:  Loving God, forgive me for my selfishness and impatience which fuel my irritation and angry outbursts.  Help me to bring my problems to You in prayer and receive the help and direction You are willing to give, so that peace may reign in my heart.  Amen

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