Uprooting Anger (5)

Uprooting Anger has proven to be an edifying read. As Brooke put it----everyone needs to read this book!

I guarantee that you will see yourself on the pages of this book even if you don't think that you have an 'anger problem.' Anger reveals itself in sooooo many ways.

One of the outlets of anger that Jones reveals is concealed anger. I think that women are particularly good at concealing their anger. Yep, we just let it come to a steady boil right under the surface, but we look fine on the outside.

How many times has your friend, coworker, spouse, child, pastor upset you and then asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm fine!" Meanwhile, you're outraged that they don't know what has upset you. You fall into the trap of telling lies to yourself ('they don't even care about me...can't they see I'm upset?!?!').

It is all self-preserving behavior. You want to protect yourself from being hurt more than you want to reconcile with a fellow sinner. I am G-U-I-L-T-Y!

We need the cross. When we cling to Christ and follow His word, we can be free to humble ourselves and dare I say, become vulnerable for the sake of the gospel. The Lord will be there to comfort you when you feel ravaged by the world (and sometimes the church)--it will happen.

Living the gospel-centered life is at once full of joy and full of pain. You will feel deeply about people and that will result in excruciating pain at times.

Do you remember how Gayline used the imagery of pregnancy and labor as a metaphor for life? It is a perfect metaphor.

When someone hurts you think of it as a birth pang, a contraction. You will experience countless injuries from loved ones and strangers throughout your life.

You cannot do anything to change that. Only God is sovereign.

What you can do is monitor your own heart. Anger concealed turns into bitterness which poisons the soul.

Don't worry about 'them.' Worry about 'you.' Think of the day that you will stand before the Lord and give an account for your thoughts. Do your thoughts reflect Christ? Examine yourself.

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Please note we'll be starting our summer reading on Monday, June 14. We've chosen three novels for easy and fun but faith-grounded beach or poolside reading. Be sure to stop by the bookstore this Sunday to pick up a copy. Or click on the link in the right hand column to order from Amazon. I've heard good things and can't wait to get started!