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“Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated- it can only bring harm.” Psalms 37:8 (CSB) - Psalms 37:8
I am a fiery person. I usually blame it on the fact that I am part Italian or that I am short and need to be louder than the next person. Either way, my anger comes out from time to time, and it seems as if the smog consumes me when it does.
Throughout life, I have found myself in many situations where I have been fueled by anger. It would change my mood, my demeanor, my outlook of the day. Every time I would get angry, I would stay angry almost all day. What was the point of wasting a day because I was angry? Was it worth it? Not really. In Psalms 37:8, it says “it can only bring harm.” Staying angry all day helped nothing. I only hurt myself because instead of enjoying my day and who I was with or the area I was in, I was just angry. I dwelled on whatever made me angry, like it would actually help me not be angry.
Anger does not help anger. If you are angry all the time, the only person you end up hurting is yourself. It is you who can choose to be angry, or you can show mercy in whatever the situation is; only you can make your situation better. Mercy will always shine a brighter light than wrath. In Philippians 4:6-7 it says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I believe the same can be done when you are angry. Give your troubles to God, let go, and experience mercy.
About Teresa Johnson She has been part of St. Thomas for three years. She is the assistant director of the food pantry. She's married with two beautiful boys.