Is There Hope for Displaced Anger?

Anger is often referred to as a harmful emotion for it can produce words that cut to the bone and behavior capable of destruction and death. I’m reminded of the adage that asserts, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Anyone who believes these words is either in denial or out of touch with reality.

Words spoken in anger can inflict pain and suffering, while destroying trust and the desire to be close and affectionate. Whether anger is spoken in harsh, cutting words or acted out physically, the most appropriate feeling should be guilt for using this emotion as a destructive weapon.

Misguided anger may be directed toward God if he’s perceived as holding the rod of punishment. God’s mercy allows for flawed beliefs as he waits for his people to mature and seek forgiveness, which he grants without hesitation. The best antidote for anger’s poison is God’s unfailing love and his wisdom.  

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Dear friends, let us practicing loving each other, for love come from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better.   

~1 John 4:7 The Living Bible

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Hope: A Neccesity Now and in the Future

Hope is essential for building a bridge to a productive, fulfilling future because hope is necessary for getting started and bringing to fulfillment most goals and plans. Hope is the secret that makes the future appealing and something to be pursued.

On the other hand, Proverbs 13:12 notes, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." This implies that hope is essential to possessing a positive attitude now and in the future. What causes hope to be put on hold is negative thinking created by discouragement as well as the inclination to give up on what was important and significant.

The second part of verse 12 has this to say, "When hopes and dreams are realized, life is energized with joy and strength." Isn't that an interesting observation? Hope revives the heart and gives it strength. That inner strength makes it possible to overcome discouragement. Proverbs defines wisdom as a tree of life that gives vitality to hope now and in the future throughout your life.

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Hope that is put off makes one sick at heart. But a longing that is met is like a tree of life.

~Proverbs 13:12 New International Reader’s Version

 

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 33:22 New Living Translation

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