SPIRIT OF ANGER
Anger is a universal problem. It is not limited to one age group, culture, race, economic level, social status, educational background, or any other classification.
Unresolved anger is one of the chief contributing factors to the destruction of marriages, the breakdown of families, and the weakening of communities. It is a major cause of health problems and lack of productivity in the workplace.
God, in His mercies, has made a way for you. He knows that anger that is not dealt with is usually destructive. Anger destroys marriages, destroys divine relationships, disrupts plans, tears families apart, destroys individuals and leaves them open for Satan to prey upon. Anger has sent many to their grave early, cut short destinies, and landed a lot of people in prison.
Moses, although a prophet of God, didn’t deal with his anger. It ended up robbing him of his entrance into the promised land of Canaan. “So Moses’ anger became hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.” Exodus 32:19. Moses destroyed in a few seconds what took him 40 days to get in God’s presence! That’s the destructive power of anger.
At another time, the children of Israel were griping and complaining about their lack of water to drink (See Numbers 20:2-5). Moses and Aaron went to God and God told them what to do. “Take the rod, you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water.” Numbers 20:8. But Moses was angry. Instead of speaking to the rock, “then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod.” Numbers 20:11. Rest of the story? Moses loses a great reward of entering the Promised Land. (See Numbers 20:12). The time bomb in Moses’ bosom goes off eventually!
The Correct Response When Dealing with the Spirit of Anger
If you notice that the spirit of anger has a stronghold in your life, there is good news… it doesn’t have to anymore! Through the blood of the Lamb and the gift of His Spirit, you can overcome the spirit of anger.
The first thing to remember after you have reacted in anger is to seek forgiveness. Ask the Lord and with whom you reacted for forgiveness. By asking for forgiveness, you are no longer agreeing with the spirit of anger, but aligning with the Spirit of God.
Three Truths to Remember When Dealing with the Spirit of Anger…
- It is not a person or group of people that is causing your anger. Anger is stirred up by a supernatural principality that is working to discredit you. This spirit will push you to lose your temper and behave according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. The spirit of anger never brings a sense of peace.
- The deep roots of your anger may go back for several generations in your family line. You must combat those deep-rooted lies with God’s truth. The spirit of anger grows more destructive with time, and unless it is defeated, it will wreak havoc for future generations in your family line.
- When you feel the spirit of anger rising, take that moment to pause. Excuse yourself and walk away from the situation or count to ten. Use that break to call on the Holy Spirit for direction. Decide to fight the temptation of coming into agreement with the spirit of anger. Grace will never cross the bridge of anger.
Defeat the Spirit of Anger through the Power of the Spoken Word
You must understand that your words have power! The words you speak will affect the atmosphere around you, whether it be for good or bad. Remember, things multiply according to their kind, so speak words of life and peace if you want life and peace.
- “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”—Proverbs 18:21
God created your emotional part so that He can express Himself through you. It is wisdom to keep your emotions from things that are harmful to it. These include violent pictures, lying words of deception, sensual magazines, books and articles; horror images or movies, cursing, foul words, filthy language, music with violent words and lyrics, ungodly sexual affairs and pornography.
Avoid all these things, because they all work hand in hand to defile and damage the emotions. A damaged emotion is always open to the subtle manipulations of the devil. God is ready to touch you and change you for good; believe and be obedient!
Don’t forget, God’s divine presence is key to personal transformation!
MANAGING YOURSELF 