WHY ARE WE SO ANGRY?

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9 ESV)

Why is everyone so angry all the time?  And here's the thing - some people don't even know why they are so angry.  Plain and simple - they are just mad.

We hear or read about fist fights.  People are taking guns on campuses and shooting up everyone that comes across their path.  People are mad about the government, their job, life, their spouse, etc.  People are mad and frustrated about everything.

Does that describe you today? Being angry seems to be a part of living in this world. We live in an age increased anger and as Christians we need to be careful that we don't get sucked up into it.  It's not acceptable at work or at home.

WHY ARE WE SO ANGRY?

1. We Are Pushed By Circumstances. Unwelcome circumstances present themselves constantly. We are often forced to deal with situations not of our own making.

Zig Ziglar gives this advice concerning dealing with difficult circumstances; "You need to identify the cause of stress. Is it a misunderstanding with a coworker or family member? Is it getting so involved in your responsibility that you lose your sense of perspective for the everyday facets of a balanced lifestyle? If so, what can you do about it? First, if it's a people problem, take time to talk it out. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. If you're wrong, admit it and apologize. You won't lose face. You'll gain respect because you have acknowledged that you're wiser today than you were yesterday. Second, find a pressure release. Take time for yourself, even if just a few minutes. Some quiet reading, a good walk, some relaxation, or a shift of scenery can work wonders." (Pp. 179-80) 

What does the Word of God have to say about dealing with these situations?  

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 ESV)

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. (Proverbs 15:18 ESV)

2. We Are Pressured By Life.  Achievement is equated with happiness. Do more, more, more is the theme of the day. We are finally pushed beyond our limit to complete the required task and in frustration we lash out.

3. We Are Preoccupied With Things Beyond Our Control. Too many times, that which we cannot control eats at us.

Someone said, "Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help, and what he cannot help." The feeling that we are not in control of our life weighs heavy on our minds.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6 ESV)

We tend to dwell on the hurts inflicted on us by others-knowing the hurts can't be undone.

So, what do we do?

We must, with the help of God Almighty, put away anger in our lives.  We must, with God's help not allow bitterness or anger or wrath to overcome and overwhelm us.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31, 32 ESV)

The Academy Award-winning movie Forrest Gump has been viewed by millions of Americans. Most people remember its line, "Life is like a box of choklits," but there is another line worth noting.
One of the central characters, Jenny, returns to her old home after her father had died. The farmhouse is dilapidated and abandoned. 

As she reflects on the sexual abuse that she endured as a child, she is overcome by rage and begins throwing rocks at the house until she falls to the ground in exhaustion.

The scene close with Forrest Gump sympathizing, "Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks."

Many of use struggle with anger, and some anger seems justifiable. Yet unresolved anger leaves us reaching and crying out for more rocks. The rage is never satisfied, and contentment is never found.
Only through the power of Christ can we find the strength to lay down rocks of anger rather than needing to reach for more. -Raymond McHenery* 

The anger provoking frustrations that we all face are very real. But our help is also very real from our Heavenly Father.  Ask Him today to help you with your anger.  He did it for me and He can and will do it for you.