On Anger and Hard Emotions

“He teaches my hands to make war. So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22: 35-36, NKJV). Many of us have been taught that anger is a bad emotion. I can both agree and disagree, in light of what Jesus taught. I think that mere human ideas about anger as purely an “Emotional” issue is somewhat flawed when not compared to and in light of ALL Scripture written in the Bible about it. The term, “Response” and “Purpose” seems to be the keys to the wisdom about anger and when it is used (As well as any other emotion). Divine Emotions are the answer. (My favorite explanation is in “The Message/Remix Translation” on, Ephesians 4:26-27; Psalms 4:4, “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry-but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry.” (The Message). And, “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.” (The Message). Some Client’s of mine that come to me have different personalities, Temperaments (Which I am well trained in) and histories. All have problems. All seek answers. As far as Anger (Or other emotions) they are misunderstood and troublesome problems for them (And sometimes me too). I try First to listen to their “Problem”, and then I try to help them understand what are the “Root” causes of it beyond what they see. We first Pray, and then we get started. Within about six sessions of counseling usually they realize that anger (As all emotions) is fleeting and part of being human. Then, I try to help them see that their particular “Temperament” can and will affect their thoughts and reactions to any circumstance (e.g., people, places and things) in their life. Once they find Christ (Or rather, He finds them) they will know that anger, like all emotions, can be used for their (And other’s) good or for more trouble. I say this from not only my many years as a counselor and all my education or study of God’s Word, but from years from my own personal experience as a man too. I find that in my trying to help other sufferers that I also receive the “Grace” and Love of God and and helped along in this struggle of life. I find that I am both a teacher and a student in my counseling. Christ is the ultimate Counselor! And in that process, we all become more mature in Him as Children of God. To be honest, I began my ministry not of my own will. I began it because I needed to know if God really existed. Since then, My God has used me in ways I never could have imagined! Now, being a Christian counselor appointed by The Lord means I must also admit I get angry too sometimes. And learn how, like Jesus did, driving out the moneychanger’s in the old Temple of Jerusalem (Matthew 21: 12-13), that anger can be a positive and good and necessary emotion at times when used against Hypocrisy or against fooling innocent people about True Worship. Soldiers especially have trouble with their anger. I myself have been a Soldier of several wars. So, I do understand. That is why I love to listen to their stories of anger and internal or external pain. Because I too still wrestle with it mentally and physically. But, Spiritually I have found the Way to freedom! Let all give me a try. If I can by means of The Holy Spirit guide you to a more serene life, then what do you have to lose? (Except, more misery). I am an old Soldier, I survived and I believe that is why I am still alive and it is to comfort and guide you. If you were a Soldier then never be ashamed or feel guilty (Anger is OK) about what happened. You were called by God to do your duty. Never forget that in all history Soldiers were necessary (Even in Israel) to conquer the evil in the world. Yes, God always tried to change people from evil ways, but many would never obey Him. We Americans are on God’s side as long as we fight (And yes die even) for the Cause of Liberty and Justice and Truth and Freedom for ALL people of the world. So, be proud of that even if you suffer for the horrors of what happened, God wanted it to be so. Blessings in His NAME.