When Anger Takes the Wheel: Navigating the Path of Unbridled Emotion

    

Have you ever had a moment when something pushes your buttons, and you feel your blood begin to boil. Perhaps you’ve said something in a fit of rage you immediately regretted, or acted in a way you wished you could take back. Personally I think we have all had moments like that to one degree or another. Truth is anger is a powerful, very real human emotion that we all encounter from time to time.

    It might surprise you to learn that anger is an emotion attributed to both God and Jesus throughout scripture. The Bible speaks of God's wrath and we read of moments where Jesus Himself expressed His anger. 

    However, there's a crucial distinction between righteous anger and what we  might call "unbridled anger". As Aristotle wisely put it, "Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way—that is not easy". Proverbs 29:11 (ESV) also reminds us, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."

    When our anger spirals out of control and becomes unbridled, it can wreak havoc on our lives. It can even spill over into the lives of others. Our anger at times can even trigger others to the point that they can become anger. They might join us and become angry with us or it might be towards us.  It can shatter relationships, lead to divorce, jeopardize our jobs, and even impact our health. 

    We see a striking example of this in the life of Moses, a man not so different from you and me, who at times lost his composure with the people of Israel.

Moses's Unchecked Anger

Consider the account in Numbers 20:10-13. The Israelites, once again, were complaining about a lack of water, a grievance Moses had heard countless times before. God explicitly instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the people. Simple instructions right? 

    However, Moses, seething with unchecked anger, ignored God's clear directive. Instead, he took his staff and struck the rock twice. Though Moses did not do what God told him to, God still provided for his people and gave them water. However Moses’s disobedience, fueled by his anger, ultimately cost him entry into the Promised Land. What pushed Moses to such a breaking point? The preceding verses offers us some insight.

The Roots of Unbridled Anger

1. Personal Grief and Unresolved Issues

    One significant factor contributing to Moses's anger was his personal grief. He had just experienced the loss and burial of his sister, Miriam (Numbers 20:1).

    We all face personal struggles—the loss of a loved one, persistent pain, or relationship troubles. When those losses or pains of life are still open and raw, we can often times lash out. Like a wounded animal we can often attack the very people who are trying to help us. We can say words we don't really mean, behave in ways contrary to our nature. To make matters worse, when we fail to deal with these issues in a healthy way, they fester beneath the surface.  We might bottle up our emotions or pretend they don’t exist, only for them to explode later, often harming innocent people in the process. 

    One of the most effective ways to prevent anger from spiraling out of control is to properly address our emotions. Find healthy outlets to vent, allow yourself time to grieve, and confront the pain you're struggling with. One of the worst things we can do is bottle these things up. Lean on trusted friends, family, and your community of faith. Most importantly, rely on God. Seek Him in the midst of your pain and ask for His help. As 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV) encourages us, "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

2. Outside Pressure

    Moses was also subjected to immense outside pressure. He was tasked with an impossible feat: creating water from nothing. That is not just a hard task that is impossible!  Numbers 20:2-3 (ESV) recounts, "Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people quarreled with Moses and said, 'Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD!'".

    The weight of unrealistic expectations from others can easily cause us to lose control of our anger. Unmet deadlines, intractable problems, or situations beyond our control can become overwhelming, leading to a loss of temper. Being blamed for things that you can't control or things that weren't your fault can lead to us losing our cool. 

    To counteract this, recognize your limitations and avoid taking on more than you can handle. While it is a good thing for people to hold us accountable. Make sure that you don't blame yourself for things that you could not control or things that were not your fault. In moments when pressure mounts, take time to vent before anger consumes you, and allow yourself to cool down and breathe. 

Finding Hope and Control

     The path of unbridled anger is destructive. It can devastate marriages, sever relationships, and shatter lives. It can ruin our reputation and hinder the very blessings God desires for you and I to have. 

    But there is a better path. By dealing with our personal stressors in a healthy manner, by allowing God to shelter us from external pressures, and by intentionally cooling down when conflicts arise, we can navigate clear of unbridled anger. We can choose a different path—a path of reliance on God's comfort and strength.

    For those who feel their anger is a constant battle, or for anyone who desires a fresh start, there is profound hope in Jesus Christ. He understands our struggles, our frustrations, and our deepest pains. He invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. He came to offer us a way out of the destructive cycles of sin, including the sin of uncontrolled anger. Through His death on the cross and His resurrection, He offers forgiveness, healing, and the power to live a new life, guided by His Spirit rather than by our unchecked emotions.

Practical Applications for Your Life:

1. Seek Jesus Christ: The first and most crucial step in finding true peace and control over your emotions is to establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you haven't already, accept Him as your Lord and Savior. He died for your sins, offering restoration and forgiveness so you can begin a new life with Him. If you are uncertain about your salvation, make it your priority to settle that today. Feel free to reach out to me to learn more by commenting on this blog. I would love the opportunity to talk with you. 

2. Cultivate Your Relationship with Jesus: Becoming a Christian is just the beginning; the journey involves continually cultivating that relationship. Just as you wouldn’t stop communicating with your spouse after the wedding, your relationship with Jesus requires ongoing effort. The more time you spend in prayer and reading the Bible, the more clearly you will discern His voice and His will for your life and the more His spirit changes your spirit. 

3. Surrender Your Burdens to God: In moments of grief or overwhelming pressure, remember you don't have to carry the burden alone. Humble yourself under God's mighty hand, knowing that He cares for you. Express your emotions to Him in prayer, knowing He listens and offers strength in your weakness.

4. Embrace God’s Provision and Protection: Just as a shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, promises to provide for our needs and protect us. Release your worries to Him, trusting that He is watching over you. God's love for you is so profound that He died for you; rest assured, He will provide and protect you. Do not let fears and uncertainties blind you to His boundless love.

By taking these steps, by leaning into His comfort and strength, and by allowing Him to guide you, the destructive path of unbridled anger can become a road less traveled in your life.