Lift It Up (Part 3) – Anger

Hey Devoted Geeks!

Welcome back to part three of our series based on the Thousand Foot Krutch song, “Lift It.” We’ve talked about what to do when our plans fall apart, and we’ve tackled the heavy weight of stress and anxiety. Today, we’re diving into an emotion that can easily hijack our entire system: Anger.

However, as last time, before we start, I’d like to invite you to listen to the song, “Lift It” by Thousand Foot Krutch, before we begin.

Listen to the Song on YouTube

The Reality of Anger

Have you ever been truly angry? What is it that actually causes you to get mad?

Personally, when I was a teenager, I dealt with a lot of anger. Certain situations in my life caused me immense frustration. The fact is, anger is a very common human emotion. Many things cause us to get angry: biology, frustrations, feeling threatened or hurt, and injustices. Some people are even taught to be angry by the environment in which they grow up. However, if it’s not handled appropriately, it can be incredibly destructive and sinful.

The Apostle Paul gives us a direct and specific command in Ephesians 4:26:

“Be angry and do not sin…”

In those six words, Paul lines out exactly what God expects from us. If I could paraphrase it, I’d say: “Yes, go ahead and be angry; there are things in life that we are completely justified in being angry about. However, don’t allow your anger to be an excuse to do something that is biblically wrong simply because you want to justify your sin.”

When we get mad, we often default to inappropriate ways of expressing it, such as:

• Vengeance
• Verbal Abuse: Ephesians 4:29 warns, “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up…”
• Dishonest Sharing: (Also known as gossiping).

Why shouldn’t we allow our anger to reach that point?

1. It Gives the Enemy a Foothold: Ephesians 4:27 warns us to “give no opportunity to the devil.” Allowing explosive anger gives the enemy a place to operate in your life. The first out burst you may feel guilty, but the more you do it, the more you excuse your actions.
   
2. It Makes Us Look Foolish: Proverbs 29:11 says, “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” Acting out in sinful rage just makes us look like fools.
   
3. It Gives People the Wrong Idea of Jesus: 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” As an ambassador of Christ, your actions and words are meant to reflect Christ. So if you act out in anger, people will believe that’s how Christ acts.
   
4. It Grieves God: Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” Sinning in our anger grieves our God. Think about it like this: If there’s something I do that grieves my wife, Celeste, then because I know it bothers her and because I love her, I try hard not to do it. Our love and devotion to God should drive us to respond better.

How Do We “Lift” Anger to the Lord?

So, how do we take this intense emotion and actually hand it over?

Admit It & Confess It

Some people try to gloss it over and act like they aren’t angry. But suppressing it can cause depression, criticism, a tendency to gossip, impatience, and even physical symptoms. Confession is essential; be honest with God about your struggle.

Express It Appropriately

This does not mean shouting, cursing, hitting a pillow, or taking part in hostility. Medically, “venting” rage doesn’t work. Alternatively, deep breathing, journaling, exercise, and other physical activities are helpful.

Handle It Real-Time

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Eph 4:26). If someone hurt you, talk to them. Remember, they have feelings too, and you may honestly be in the wrong. Be humble and be willing to forgive. Holding onto unforgiveness does nothing but hurt you.

Exercise Self-Control

We often glorify the “shoot first, ask questions later” action hero. But scripture says the opposite. Proverbs 16:32 says being slow to anger is better than capturing a city. James 1:19-20 reminds us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Meditate on Godly Things

We have to change how we think. You can’t keep dwelling on what makes you mad or fantasizing about revenge. Think about whatever is true, honorable, and pure (Phil 4:8) and let God renew your mind (Romans 12:2).

Remember Your Identity

A major cause of anger is having someone belittle you or call you “less than.” When that happens, remind yourself of who Christ says you are. Don’t let someone else’s words overwrite your God-given identity.