Last year, my beautiful island, Mauritius, has been in an uproar. A bulk carrier ran aground on our coral reefs and spilled tons of fuel in our lagoon. Like every true Mauritian, I was angry and frustrated about this disaster and even more furious when I heard about the dead dolphins around the area affected by the oil spill. I could feel rage flaring up, and I thought, “what should I do with that emotion?” “Should I let it run wild?” In a split-second, I had to decide whether to keep that anger burning or not.
Feeding that anger would mean that I indulge in disappointment, resentment, fear, sorrow, and many more. It is letting my heart be submerged by these negative emotions and become clouded. As a result, I will think and talk negatively. I will complain and blame. Matthew 12:34 says that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Sadly, it also opens the door for the enemy to come and tear me down mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Stopping that anger would imply that I recognize it but refuse to yield to the flow of negative emotions popping up, try to understand and explain it. Eventually, I would need to take steps to overcome it.
First of all, I turn to God and share with Him all my frustrations and distress because I know that He understands and cares for me. I ask Him to help me let go of all gloomy feelings that surface in exchange for His peace because God is not the author of confusion but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
I pray about the situation and ask God for wisdom and discernment in finding a solution. I trust Him for the outcome.
I also change my thoughts. Rather than dwelling on the injustice, I choose to find something to be grateful for and readjust my focus.
If I feel the need to do something, I go to the gym to sweat it out on the treadmill.
I can talk to someone I trust to help me see clearly through my emotions and understand better.
I choose to forgive the person(s) involved and trust God to be my defender. (Romans 12:19)
Undoubtedly, it is challenging to control our anger when things happen unexpectedly in our daily lives. But doing our best to manage it in a healthy way will help in guarding our heart against any harm as from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
If, as a woman, you are always angry and want to understand why, I’d love to connect with you. Book a free discovery session on Cindy@anewforpurpose.com
