“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.” Psalm 4:4

When anger knocks at our door, it demands an immediate response. Like an unwanted visitor, it can quickly flare up into something uncontrollable. King David knew these unexpected visits of outrage and hurt well. After all, he was attacked by enemies who wanted to destroy him. They tried to ruin his reputation with lies and groundless accusations. Their dishonesty seemed endless. When anger came knocking, David had to choose how to respond. Today, Christians face the same choice, and you might be asking, “What do I do when anger suddenly appears at my door?”

In Psalm 4:4, King David shows us three biblical ways to handle these unwelcome visits. He says, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent” (1) Anger itself is not a sin. However, uncontrolled anger can lead to sin. Rather than swinging the door wide open to anger, learn to keep it restrained. This simple but difficult act will save you from saying and doing things you regret. (2) Then, take time to think about the situation. Don’t pace the floor mulling over all the reasons why you are angry. Rather, practice productive pondering by being still before the LORD, taking inventory of your heart, confessing any angry thoughts, and surrendering them to God. (3) Remain quiet until you’ve cooled off. This is easier said than done. However, words spoken in anger can have a lifelong impact. Later, when things calm down, you’ll be thankful you kept the door closed. Address the matter when you can respond truthfully and in a way that honors God.

David’s wisdom reminds us that managing anger is a spiritual discipline. Just as we wouldn’t let every stranger who knocks into our home, we don’t have to let every angry thought take residence in our hearts. When we feel anger’s persistent knocking, we can follow David’s example by first acknowledging its presence without letting it take control.

The Lord understands our anger—after all, He created our emotions. But He also gives us the wisdom and strength to handle these unexpected visitors in a way that honors Him. Consider Jesus’s example. Even when faced with unjust accusations and cruel treatment, He responded with controlled reactions and thoughtful words. He showed us that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it’s possible to feel anger about “wrong” things while still maintaining self-control.

REFLECT

Think about the last time anger knocked at your door. How did you answer? How might applying David’s three principles – pausing before opening the door, seeking God’s wisdom, and keeping quiet until peace returns – change your response next time?

Many Blessings,

JJ Gutierrez

Average Christian Gal Who Loves Jesus & the Bible