Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

FROM RED ALERT TO SPIRIT CONTROL

This entry was posted on 10-30-2009 and is filed under ANGER.

"Wise men turn away anger" (Prov. 29:8 NIV). I used to get very angry. When I played baseball, I was competitive and hated to lose. Sometimes I would throw my batting helmet and kick the dirt. I'm sure I was not a pretty person when anger took over. Anger "uglifies" us all. Even after I married one of the quietest and gentlest women in the world, I continued to have fits of anger. But with the passing of time, maturation, and the help of the Holy Spirit, I am learning to control my anger.

Paul reminds us that we must get rid of anger (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8). That means you don't hang on to it. When we understand that anger ("fits of rage") is listed as one of the "works of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19-21) we will be ready to lay aside all anger. Yielding to the indwelling Holy Spirit is the key to success in learning to overcome anger. You see, the fruit of the Spirit will never produce a work of the flesh (anger). Rather, the Spirit produces wonderful fruit like love, longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. With the help of God's Holy Spirit we can practice "anger abandonment" and learn to lay aside all anger. Put it down, leave it there, and walk with the Spirit. This is known as "self-control" which, in reality, is Spirit-control. After all, is He not called "The Helper" in Scripture (John 16:7)? Well, the next time you feel yourself starting to become angry simply remember you have a Helper! Ask Him for His help in laying aside anger. He will give you a peace that passes understanding. The Holy Spirit is a great helper in those "red alert" moments we all face from time to time. I hope this brief study on anger will help you practice "anger abandonment."

Hymn: You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase, and have earnestly, fervently prayed; But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest until all on the altar is laid. Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid? Your heart, does the Spirit control? You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest, As you yield Him your body and soul" (Elisha A. Hoffman)