If you ever felt helpless about controlling anger, I’ve got some good news for you. Chances are you’ve been trying to do it on your own strength and there’s a reason (or seven) why it feels impossible.
Today, my friend Ruthie Gray is my guest for the #SummerSizzleBlogHop. I like to joke and tell friends that I sit at Ruthie’s feet and soak up her pearls of parenting wisdom, and it’s true!
I ‘met’ Ruthie about three years ago when I first started SunSparkleShine. We were in a Christian bloggers community and I got to know Ruthie and her writing pretty well. You will soon see for yourself that not only is Ruthie full of wisdom, she also has a great sense of humor. That’s such a great combination for someone who’s in the trenches helping moms, which is exactly what Ruthie does.
Oh, and if you’re wondering what the SummerSizzleBlogHop is, it’s a series that runs throughout June and July featuring nine Christian bloggers. We’ve pulled our best Christian faith content from our treasure chests to encourage you this summer. Be sure to stop by next week to see who’s in the #SummerSizzleBlogHop spotlight.
But for now, I’m turning it over to Ruthie to talk about this controlling anger thing. She’s got this!
I’m just going to sit back and take notes. 🙂
7 Things You Need to Know about Controlling Anger
by Ruthie Gray
Karen erupted all over her husband and kids – even kicking the dog. Slamming pots and pans in righteous indignation, she screamed at the top of her lungs, “IF I DON’T GET SOME HELP IN THIS KITCHEN ASAP NO ONE IS EATING TONIGHT!!! They didn’t unload the dishwasher, the dog pooped in the house (because no one walked him) and the family lounged in front of the T.V. – discarded socks, books, and backpacks strewn across the floor.
Sound familiar?
Doesn’t the verse say, “Be angry” (Ephesians 4:26)?! That alone confirms that anger is natural and necessary to propel us into fighting against wrong-doing!
Well…yes and no. Yes – anger at wrong behavior is necessary in order to fight for what is right.
No – erupting all over the fam (anger turned to wrath) is not right. (The rest of Ephesians 4:26 says “and sin not”.)
Anger is a powerful, shovel-like tool – you can use it improperly to bang people over the head, or you can use it properly to dig as a motivational tool. ~Chip Ingram, How to be good and mad
“Well, I just can’t help it. Their behavior is inexcusable and I’m literally at the end of my rope, plus I’m exhausted from CLEANING UP AFTER EVERYONE 24/7!!!”
I know. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Still doesn’t make it right. You know you feel terrible after screaming up a lung and destroying everyone in your path.
That’s anger gone wrong.
Here’s the good news: controlling anger is possible. YOU CAN DO IT.
You see, the reason we think controlling anger is beyond our reach is due to our unbelief.
We dismiss the fact that it’s even possible. And if we don’t believe God can change our behavior, then that means we don’t have a correct view of God.
Tweet ThisChrist transforms a raging lunatic
Remember the crazy lunatic who roamed the graveyard and broke the chains that bound him in Mark 5? This guy was uncontrollable. No one could do anything with him. His demon-possession lead others to believe all hope was lost.
But when Jesus and his disciples got off the boat and saw the guy, He commanded the unclean spirits to come out of him. It wasn’t without a fight, because many demons possessed this man. But Jesus solved the problem by transferring them to pigs, who ran down the mountain into the ocean and committed “Suey-cide”. (Ba-dump-pump.)
The people were amazed to see the crazy guy wearing clothes and talking rationally. In fact – they were so spooked (and angry about the pigs), they made Jesus leave town!
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7 Powerful truths for controlling anger
- When we are alone and unaccountable, the Enemy possesses great liberty.
>>The man lived in a desolate place (among tombs) – alone, which gave the devil great advantage.
- No human being can break the chains of our anger.
>>He was out of control and no person could help him.
- When we erupt in anger, we destroy ourselves – as per the Enemy’s desire.
>>He tortured himself, because he was unhappy.
- Our desire to overcome anger is planted by Christ.
>>Christ’s power alone made the man run to be relieved of this great burden.
- Since Christ planted the desire to overcome, He will also deliver.
>>Christ’s power alone delivered the man from the Enemy.
- Your strong propensity toward anger and how long you’ve struggled to control it doesn’t matter – Christ is stronger!
>>”My name is Legion, for we are many” – a legion is a number of soldiers in arms. It denotes military power. We “wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12)!
- This same Christ that healed that man is the One Who saves us from our sins, and provides a way of escape – the Word of God! You can’t control your anger – but GOD can!
>>Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil.
Anger, left unchecked, can do irreparable damage.
BUT – we have a God Who is Greater, Kinder, Stronger.
He provides a way of escape! But you must believe. Faith is the key to unlock this door.
Help for controlling anger
In Count to Nine, moms discover a Scripturally sound, methodical approach for taming the temper. Ruthie Gray, mother of four and grandparent of two, gently guides frazzled mothers of all ages toward God’s Word, His view on anger, and the nine steps to overcoming wrath.
In this ebook, you will learn
*The mind-blowing truth of God’s view on anger
*One eye-opening tactic for changing your reactions
*How the staggering power of unbelief can keep you from change
*How to triumph through one key attitude adjustment
*How to gain victory over a life-long stronghold
*And much, much more!
The author, Ruthie Gray, transparently shares her own motherhood struggles, instantly connecting with moms through her “been there” approach. Moms will find victory, new hope, and support through this encouraging method of actionable Scripture verses and Scripture prayers.
Dear mom, isn’t it time for you to Count to Nine?
How about you?
Is controlling anger something that you struggle with? Have you felt helpless to overcome this stronghold in your life?
How has today’s post enlightened or encouraged you?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Photo Credit: Barbara Hegler, Unsplash
Meet Ruthie Gray
Ruthie Gray is a wife, Gigi, and mom of four (who lived to tell about it). Ruthie’s passion is mentoring moms to capture joy with humor, advice, and practical application of Scripture at Ruthie Gray.Mom. Ruthie is a contributor of the free mom devotional app, TruthBytes, and the author of Count to Nine; 9 Liberating Steps for Mom Frustration and Anger. Click to download her Wife and Mommy Survival Kit here.
Connect with Ruthie on: Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
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How about some extra summer sparkle?
I’m teaming up with some of my favorite blogging friends to bring you the best of the best, all summer long.
During June and July, we’re sharing our top posts in the #SummerSizzleBlogHop. Each week you’ll find a new post on each of our blogs (Counting My Blessings with Deb Wolf, Valerie Murray, Ruthie Gray, Dawn Klinge, Nicki Schroeder, Diana from Diana’s Diaries, Melanie Redd, Married by His Grace with Carmen Brown, and of course right here on SunSparkleShine.
It’s going to be hot, hot, hot, so be sure sign up for blog updates so you don’t miss any of it (and get a free set of PRAY cards too!).
This is a wonderful post! I’ve never thought of that encounter with the demon-possessed man in the light of anger before. Thank you for the new perspective and insights! Thanks, too, for sharing it with us at Encouraging Word Wednesday this week!
Thanks for stopping by to visit, Charlie. And yes, Ruthie’s insight in this post was so refreshing.
Happy to have the Encouraging Word Wednesday linkup back!
Blessings to you and all who visit there.
Such great advice! I think this is a tool Satan has been using a lot lately.
He will try anything to discourage us and make us feel defeated. I’m grateful Ruthie sheds light on his tricky schemes so we don’t give in!
Blessings to you, Mandy.
Like every other kind of sin, anger can only be overcome with His help. What a great reminder of this truth!
So true, Donna. Trying to do it on our own only leads to frustration and a sense of helplessness, and that’s exactly where the enemy wants us. God is the real overcomer!
I actually need to do this every time I go into play with the kids and notice the chaos in the room where they have been playing for now hours. Count to 9. Say a prayer. Got it!
Yes, Brittany! We need to do this often, don’t we?
I’ve lost it in the kitchen a few times myself and it helps to know we’re not alone. AND there is hope + a better way.
Hang in there, girlfriend. 🙂