The Greater Choice
By Christina Price
As I read this scripture, the infamous saying of “Do not go to bed angry” came to mind. It’s one of those sayings that I felt was much easier said than done. In the heat of an argument sometimes the best thing to do is take a step away. Agree to disagree and reconvene later all the while still feeling anger from being misunderstood.
How do you turn the feeling of anger off?
We can turn it off by going through it with God and changing our thought process. The Psalmist shows us this by highlighting our power in the situation. Which is not allowing anger to control us but instead to choose a different course of action. Thoughts can trigger emotions, which can then lead to words and eventually guide our behavior and if left unmanaged, this can lead to sin
I’ve read that some Psychologists describe anger as a secondary emotion. It’s usually what is displayed when one of the primary emotions such as fear (which include anxiety and worry) or sadness (which include disappointment) are present. In essence, anger is presented to create a sense of control. Rather than displaying the vulnerability and helplessness a person is really feeling.
Psalm 4:4b
The second part of this verse “Think about it overnight and remain silent” provides an introspective aspect. Personally, this point is something I have missed as I allowed anger to shift my thoughts over to the OTHER person and what THEY did rather than my behavior.
WHY?
I believe it’s important to understand what it means to “think about” as the Bible defines this action to be still, meditate and reflect on your actions with God. It does not mean to let it fester and perpetuate negative thoughts as that can lead to sin. In this reflection we allow God to work on us to reveal and heal the primary emotions we are truly facing that have manifested into anger we displayed.
This provides the space for repentance, forgiveness and letting go. In essence, we do not allow anger to control us but take control of anger before deflecting them to others.
Posture Matters
In this submission, we allow God to be our strength and our guide. Give him further access to all aspects of our lives, even the messy parts. We seek him for wisdom and correction rather than bury our emotions and lash out at others. We reflect Jesus in showing patience, compassion and understanding not only to others but to ourselves.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your Word and for providing a safe space for me to sort out my anger. I repent for my actions and receive your forgiveness. Continue to help me as I renew my mind and remain focused to reflect Jesus in all that I do. In Jesus name, amen.
Connect with Christina Price on Instagram and visit www.amazon.com to purchase her devotional memoir Saved By Choice
Christina Price was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a Hindu household. She accepted Jesus as a teenager after being introduced to Christianity by her mother, who became saved herself just a few years before passing away from cancer. After walking away from her faith for years, Christina recommitted her life to Christ as an adult and is now passionate about the Lord and serving others. She believes sharing her experiences will encourage readers to stretch past the superficial trappings of life, and embrace the sovereignty of God’s purpose in their lives.
