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!
We all struggle with what you have gone through. I am terrible at complaining I pray that I stop complaining so much. Frustrated with so many things now days especially the state of our country. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and he is. We all have to remember that, even when, someone makes a rude comment to us. I agree it is more about them than us we happen to be on the other end at that time and it is hard to take at times. Love your blog Tania you are so sweet and very helpful with your style. I love to see what is coming next and thank you for all your verses it keeps a lot of us going and God Bless you, Joe, your dog and your family.
Thanks Tania, I needed to hear this today.
I love all your posts, but the Sunday one is my favorite. I love the idea of counting blessings rather than just counting before responding in anger to a situation.
That spoke to me, thank you for sharing.
That spoke to me as well. I’m a teacher and this is a trying time of year. I’ve felt the last couple of weeks my fuse getting shorter and shorter. In my prayer time on the way to work I’m trying daily to thank the Father for all the abundance of blessings I have . Gratitude changes the attitude. Thanks for this post!
Great post!
Good Sunday Morning,
First I like your idea of thinking of five blessings from the Lord when it would be so easy to become angry. Recently I had two good friends who passed. They lived a life of service for others–true children of God! At my age, soon to be 80, I realize each day is a gift. I am going to be grateful for the day and the many blessings, which includes reading your blog, first thing every morning. Just keep inspiring and uplifting the rest of us. Thank you for all your hard work! To God goes the glory!
This post really resonated with me. I have a friend who lost her husband three years ago. She has allowed herself to become so negative that she inadvertently repels anyone trying to befriend her. I think God gave you this message just for people in her frame of mind and I’m sharing it with her immediately. Thank you.
Thank you for this post. I had a similar week and needed this reminder. <3
That is a fantastic idea! I struggle with getting angry, especially when I am driving and someone cuts me off, or tailgates me! I will try this tomorrow morning on my way to work. God bless you Tania! (So sorry about the unkind comment on your platform. That must really hurt.). Maybe someday, they will see Jesus through you.
Thank you so much for sharing. Just what I needed to hear.
This was so timely for me! Thank you for your words of wisdom. You are a blessing to all who know you!