What You Should Do When You’re Angry
Do you ever feel like all you do is complain? Maybe you feel like you overreact to a comment or offense instead of letting it roll off.
Usually, I am pretty chill, and it takes a lot to get me riled up. But, for some reason, it seemed like every little thing got on my last nerves this week. It started when I ordered a dining table and chairs for the patio. I was so excited to finally find one I liked, and I quickly placed the order. It was getting time for the set to be delivered, so I checked the tracking information only to find out it was being shipped to our old address.
The next issue this week was on Wednesday morning. I took our trash can to the curb Tuesday night since the trash pickup is Wednesday. I heard the trash truck coming down the road, so I went and looked out my window. That’s when I noticed that it was a new truck that had a mechanical arm that grabbed the trash can and emptied it into the truck. I even commented to Joe about how cool that was until the driver misjudged where the trash can was and hit our mailbox instead.
Finally, a random comment on one of my platforms wasn’t very nice. I have been blessed with the best followers and rarely have to deal with rude comments. After stewing on the comment more than I should have, I called my sister and asked her why my first reaction was always wrong.
Instead of praying about the situation, I immediately find myself stewing, grumbling, complaining, arguing, getting mad, or calling a friend to commiserate with. I never think that maybe I’m having a bad day or am being overly sensitive. It never occurs to me that the person on the other end could be upset about something else, and I end up being the recipient of displaced anger. Nope! Instead, I want to vent, lash out, and stew about the situation.
Matthew 5:38-40
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
It is so easy to get dragged into a verbal fight when we feel like we are being disrespected or mistreated. Turning the other cheek, or choosing not to respond, can be challenging. But today, I found a way that made it a little easier.
After stewing for about 30 minutes, I put away my computer to take a cat nap. When I got out my cozy throw blanket, Lucy Lu came running and jumped up on the couch with me. This bundle of fur cozied up beside me, and quickly fell asleep. I sat there petting her and started thanking the Lord for my many blessings.
Psalm 116:12
12 What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me?
Psalm 103:2
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
It is funny, but you can’t be mad, aggravated, or upset when you start counting your blessings. I’ve always heard you should count to ten before responding when angry. Instead of counting to ten, we need to think of five blessings that the Lord has given us. You will watch your anger melt away and be replaced by a sense of peace and joy.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Thank you for sharing “What you should do when angry.” Funny, while I was reading this I felt like I was the author…you and I are on the same page…❤️
Great advice! The best I have heard in many years. We all run like crazy women and sometimes (a lot lately) that our orders get messed up. I just place 2 orders for different items and both said it would be the first part of May before receiving them. i started to get upset but had read your post…..I started counting my many, many blessings. Thank You for reminding all of us this important little life lesson.
Lynn Welch