Silence - Dealing with anger

By Rev. Hansen

Silence  - If we look in the back of most bibles, we can find the following verses that reference this word. Let’s take a look at each of these and see what the word has to say to us this morning using the LIVING BIBLE TRANSLATION.

Job 2:13 -

11. When three of Job's friends heard of all the tragedy that had befallen him, they got in touch with each other and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. 12. Job was so changed that they could scarcely recognize him. Wailing loudly in despair, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air and put earth on their heads to demonstrate their sorrow. 13. Then they sat upon the ground with him silently for seven days and nights, no one speaking a word; for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

How often have we just sat with someone offering them compassion, not saying a word but understanding the need they have at that moment. We put an arm around them, knowing we may not have the power to change this situation, but we understand it. Mothers hold their children close when they cry, husbands hold their wives when they need to be reassured. Pastors, listen and offer suggestions to the person. Each of us must take a moment in silence to show the person respect and love for the problems they face.

Saints, God holds us all in the same manor. His love is never ending if we let him have control of our lives. There will always be times that our lives are so confused, and torn up that we need to be held by someone. Let that source be the Lord in Christ. The bible says -- King James Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 103 is one of the strongest of the songs of David about our lord. I find great comfort in the words of the psalms. No mater the situation, I can go to the book of Psalms and know that God is right here with me listening and caring for me today.

8. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him.

Sometimes we just need to reflect and be still so that we can hear our father’s words of encouragement in our lives today. But as you and I both know misery loves company. WE complain loudly to fellow co-workers, our wives and our best friends. All this does is send out signals that are negative about our work places, our homes, and our lives in general. David had so much turmoil around him it wasn’t funny. He had people trying to kill him unjustly, people spreading lies and rumors. If anyone had a right to complain surely it was he. But he knew where to go to find the peace of mind he so desperately needed.

Many times we find that our anger festers with in us when left alone. If we know and remember that Satin will us anger as a means to spread his venom across this land we can guard against it. Therefore we must always have our armor on so we can fight it. When we take our problems to God in prayer he hears our pleas and our cries. When we humble ourselves before the altar, God’s love will reach our heart and give us strength too endure the battles we face.

Psalms 40: 1. 1. I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. 2. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3. He has put a new song in my mouth Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord. 4. Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

But pastor what can you say, when things just happen. When you just can’t keep your cool in tact

Well, to that I say. Each of us have a choice. You can argue, and make things worse, or you can turn the other cheek. Prov 10:19 reminds us to put a cork in our angry mouth when dealing with friends and family. I just love the way the LIVING BIBLE SAYS THIS.. "Don't talk so much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow!" Sometimes it’s best not to say anything at all, to prevent further damage and sin from occouring.

Proverbs 11:12 says: To quarrel with a neighbor is foolish; a man with good sense holds his tongue. 17:28 LVB (doesn’t’ have the 28 they’ve combined it in with 27) The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.

How many times have you seen people screaming at one another for no apparent reason. The anger just festers and boils in them. WE have to remember it takes two to fight, and argue. If we use the guidance of these verses – by keeping our lips closed, then there is but one person fighting. The fight will soon subside because we are not giving into the sin of temptation and turmoil. A wise man will bridal his tongue, and hold his peace where a fool will try to argue with the person.

If this was a work situation, often times the end result would be being fired from the job we loves so much. If It’s at home, the marriage would end in a divorce. Now nobody wants to see anyone get fired, or divorced over some petty little argument.

So how do we handle an argument then? We handle it with love and compassion. Remember, we are the living bible that many will read. If we show the Gospels in all we do, loving our brothers and sisters even when things are not easy for us to so then we’ve shown what God himself would do.

The Lord our God has blessed us with common sense, but it’s up to us to put that common sense to use. Our emotions often will dictate our reactions. There’s no denying that we have emotions. There’s no denying that we will ever get angry and argue with those around us. The Bible says, it’s ok to be angry, just don’t let the sun go down on your anger. Don’t let it fester and grow. Resolve the anger. Work thru it. Talk it out. Even if it takes hours talk it out. Make a reseloution to a solution. Don’t let the sun go down on it. If we are on guard diligently we’ll be able to see our emotions before they explode and become out of control.

Saints Love is the key. If we love our brother even when they are screaming at us, we can overcome the situation. Remember to speak with good and kindly words for they are like honey in our ears. My wife reminds me often to kill them kindness. We have to be compassionate and understanding of the feelings the person has at the moment, and acknowledge them. We have to be willing and open-minded enough to accept our errors and our own mistakes that may have brought on the reaction of others around us. Together we can work towards a solution. In most cases, the arguments will be easily resolved if we are willing to listen and love the person as Jesus would love them.

What helps me to settle my nerves, especially where women are involved is to remind myself that this person is a child of God. The last thing I want is her daddy mad at me. Amen

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father bless us this day, and help us to see your wisdom when it comes to dealing with anger. Help us to be mediators not instigators. Lord bridal our tongues that we may see your love through the fiery eyes of those around us. Remind us to bind the power of satin today for what we bind here on earth shall be bound in heaven as well. Help us to be your servants serving our fellow man, and giving them the love they so richly deserves. Walk with us Lord, guide our steps, and let our feet be placed on your rock of strength daily.

In Jesus name we pray

Amen