How to Combat a Spirit of Anger and Rage

“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9

Anger. Rage. Deep-seated displeasure. It boils deep in your bosom anytime someone or something does not go according to your preconceived plans. It tightens your muscles and makes you feel like doing something stupid.

“Smash the car windshield!” it says. “Punch that person in the stomach!” it suggests. “Leave your wife and go for another ‘better’ and ‘prettier’ woman!” it cries. “Divorce, divorce, divorce!” it keeps crying.

These are a few of the various ways by which anger expresses itself. Does it sound familiar to you? Are you easily angered? How do you feel and how do you respond when things don’t go your preferred way? How do you treat people when they don’t dance to your tune?

Anger, a time bomb

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!

What God says about anger

1) “A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self confident. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly.” Proverbs 14:16,17. In other words, a quick-temper, rage and anger are not befitting qualities of a wise man.

2) “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32. Really, a decorated military general that can’t get rid of anger in his life needs God’s help!

3) “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” Proverbs 22:24,25. Truly, a friend given to habitual anger will eventually land you in trouble. Anger is a snare, and the devil knows his captives.

4) “’Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26,27. Never go to sleep angry. Make forgiveness a daily practice, so that you do not entertain the devil.

Understanding what the Bible says about the spirit of anger and rage. #christiancounselor #angermanagement Click To Tweet

Engaging God’s remedy for anger and rage

1) God’s divine presence.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.

The manifest presence of God is a key remedy for anger. You enter into His presence through heartfelt worship and prayer, and then you ask Him to reach down His hand into your bosom and pull out anger, rage and quick temper from you.

Make it a daily practice until He does it, and you’ll surely know when He does it. Anything you don’t want in your life can be gotten rid of in His presence. “For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15,16. True transformation only takes place within us as we enter into God’s presence.

2) Deliberately forgive ahead.

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep his anger forever.” Psalm 103:8,9.

All over the place, there are people and situations that are definitely going to make you angry, whether deliberately or otherwise. It might even be your spouse or your boss. So, make up your mind by God’s grace to forgive anybody of whatever they might do to hurt you. Of course, your resolve will be tested. But if you depend on God’s grace, you’ll make it again and again. That’s a good way to deprive the devil of any hold on you.

3) Guard your emotions.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issue of life.” Proverbs 4:23.

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!

3 Strategies for Overcoming the Spirit of Anger and Rage #anger #angermanagement #christiancounselor Click To Tweet

I would love to hear how this article impacted you or any question you have, kindly leave a reply below. Thank You.

If you know someone who could use more of the peace of Christ — share this to them using the “share” button below.

Angela Lowe, MS. Ed., LPC
Angela Lowe is a licensed Professional Counselor, trained Biblical Counselor and certified Holistic Health Coach. Her kingdom mandate is to restore God’s counsel to transform lives, marriages, and churches worldwide.