April 21

Read Job 4 and 5

With friends like Eliphaz, who needs enemies?

There are no simple answers for suffering. I know we all love a simple answer and an explanation for suffering – but we don’t often get that. Can we let that go? Can we be careful to not jump to conclusions simply because we feel angry, scared, frustrated and depressed?

Another thought. When we are deeply wounded and in lots of pain, sometimes it feels safer to run to anger. A spirit of criticism and judgment brings with it the illusion of power. But it’s just an illusion. I would recommend that we acknowledge our anger, but recognize it for what it is – sometimes it’s a thinly veiled screen that we try to hide our suffering behind.

Our emotions are not sins. Emotions are emails to the soul intended to: get our attention and teach us profound lessons. Unfortunately, we sometimes misuse the feeling of anger.

Thought for today: Make a list of ways you inappropriately handle anger. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. But sometimes we don’t know how to allow it to do its job (show us there is an issue that needs addressing) and then let it leave. Most of us either deny it or use it as a weapon of mass destruction. Either way, this is not cool. It’s ok to acknowledge one’s anger – it is not ok to be dishonest about it, or to give ourselves permission to disrespect others by inappropriate expression of it. Code words: resentment, depression, anxiety, self-pity, jealousy, stress.

Example: I inappropriately deal with anger when I ____ because ____. This affects ____. This activates my _____. This makes me feel ____.

Thought for tomorrow: So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth…(Translation: It’s a lie to express anger when we truly are feeling afraid.) for we are all parts of the same body. (Translation: we must learn how to treat each other gently, with respect – including ourselves.) And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27 NLT