Part 5: Anger and Hope

TABOO

PART - 5

“‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”

Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)

“At the Lord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink.”

Exodus 17:1 (NLT)

“So once more the people complained against Moses. ‘Give us water to drink!’ they demanded.”

Exodus 17:2 (NLT)

“But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?’”

Exodus 17:3 (NLT)

“Then Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!’”

Exodus 17:4 (NLT)

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you. I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.’ So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.”

Exodus 17:5-6 (NLT)

“Moses named the place Massah (which means ‘test’) and Meribah (which means ‘arguing’) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, ‘Is the Lord here with us or not?’”

Exodus 17:7 (NLT)

1. CHOOSE TO RESPOND RATHER THAN REACT.

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)

2. EXAMINE YOUR HEART.

“Search me, God, and know my anxious heart; test and know my heart, see if there is any offensive way in me...”

Psalm 139:23-24a (NIV)

“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.”

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)

3. LISTEN WITH AN OPEN MIND, RATHER THAN SPEAKING YOUR MIND.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

James 1:19 (NIV)

“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”

Psalm 103:8 (NLT)

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS TO:

• Do this week’s YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan: “Calming Anger” (7 days).

• Check out this week’s blog or podcast: “God and Your Anger.”

• Turn in a question for the Q&A Mental Health Panel either by text or here: __________________________________________________________________________

• Instead of giving in to my anger, be a spiritual example by pointing people to grace and hope found in Jesus.