Surviving An Anger Ambush

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath [anger], selfish ambitions, dissensions" - Galatians 5:19-20

Anger – you know the feeling don’t you? That feeling that rises up inside of you? Like a jug quickly filling up with water until it overflows.  You face is flushed.  Your heart is racing. Anger can be often be triggered by frustration or disappointment. Many people try justify their feelings and behavior by pointing to their ancestors, their family’s dominant country of origin or maybe blame it on the other person when it is nothing more or less than their sin nature poking its head out. They might try to suppress the display of an emotion that is raging in their hearts.  Remember that God looks at the heart. 

"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." - Matthew 12:34

Some time ago we ran into a plumbing snag at the house we are working on.  It was fixable, but the repair could cost one or two thousand dollars.  The plumber was talking to me on the phone, almost apologetically because he knew we are a ministry and the home owner had no money to pay for the repair that must be made. I could sense that he was expecting me to be unhappy and perhaps even angry about it.  I told him – “Brother, I have seen much in my life. I have served in two wars.  If someone is not dying – I don’t get anxious about it.” I went on to say "I know two things – God is good and Jesus Saves."  That brought perspective into the issue.  I told him that I was happy that I was dealing with this problem and not the home owner.  

 “Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2

If you can’t quell your anger – if you cannot - not let your emotions rule – that is a pretty good indication that you are not fully submitted to the Spirit of God.  

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

As Christians, we are empowered by the Spirit to respond to life in a way that shows the world the power of God. People often point to Jesus being angry in the temple as an excuse for their own anger.  I would say that the next time you go to church and the money changers and vendors are set up in the foyer – go ahead and drive them out with a righteous anger.  But don’t use Jesus as a reason to make excuses for your flesh and sin.  And you know the difference. Others looking for an excuse for themselves may buy it, but God doesn’t.  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” - James 1:2-3

We all are tested, every day.  We all are given opportunities to respond with out flesh or the Spirit of God in us. Letting the emotion of anger have its way is a temptation -  a fierce temptation – that will spring on you without notice – like an ambush.  It is part of the old nature which is waiting for the opportunity to show itself. The only way you will “survive” an anger ambush is if you recognize it for what it is and fight your way through it.  To do that you must have prepared yourself Spiritually for such an occasion beforehand.  And how do you do that? You do that by putting on the "whole armor of God". 

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:10-18

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone