Pathways Press.com

Written by Rich Villodas, a contemporary author.  This is an excerpt from his book “The Narrow Path.”

There are legitimate reasons to be angry. But in the Kingdom of God, there’s no legitimate reason to let that anger destroy and consume you. I’ve found that the practice of lament – voicing my pain, grief, and distress to God—helps me defuse my anger. Anger closes us in; lament opens us up. Rather than ignoring an offense, lament creates space in our hearts for God’s Spirit to redirect our hearts and get to the root of the anger. It may surprise you that the root of rage is often grief. That is why slowing down to lament must be part of our regular worship gatherings and interactions with trusted friends. Paired with lament, our anger can be a catalyst for opening us up to God’s life, love, and power. Unless we face our anger honestly (and in the presence of God), we violate the law of love—the law that matters most to Jesus.

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” [Ephesians 4:26-27]