How To Let Anger Ruin Your Life

Opening

How has Anger impacted me?

Anger can be a tough touchy subject, but it is vital to learn how to grow in this area.

Many times we misdirect anger

Many times we have trouble letting go of it because it makes us feel strong and in control. However, if we don’t take control of it, we are ultimately heading for a life of unhappiness, unhealthy relationships and even death.

If we can learn how to handle anger in a healthy way, perhaps we could live happier and more fulfilled.

Tonight, I want to look at 4 Things that you can do when your angry that will help to ruin your life.

The Bible talks about anger. It doesn’t say that you shouldn’t get angery. Not all anger is bad, but misdirected anger could ruin your life.

We are going to look at this by flipping the script and looking at opposites.

SKIT: SCENE 1

“Why don’t you ground DAD for something while you’re in the grounding mood? You could start with him not giving a rip about anything in his son’s life!”

Tip #1 - Refuse to take responsibility when you mess up.

Hedge (don’t worry about it) the truth and blame other people.

Then look for something else you’r hurt or upset about.

Attach your anger to that situation: that way you can find a way to get really, really ticked almost every Day.

There probably won’t be a day that goes by in our life where there won’t be legitimate reasons to be angry.

Granted, there could be circumstances beyond your control, but…

You will be miserable unhappy person if you spend your life blame shifting to somebody else.

What big deal is it that you get chewed out for not doing your homework, but you let it shift into blaming someone else for your own mess ups.

John 8:32 NIV

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

A lot of times we view angry people as powerful people. They come off dominating. They control the atmosphere in the room.

But, when it comes to anger, how powerful are you?

When you can’t control your anger, you have no control.

SKIT: Scene 2

Have you ever had anyone say that to you? “Life isn’t fair.” It’s kind of frustrating isn’t it.

We can get cynical with that.

Rotten things can happen to good people.

Tip #2 - Expect life to always be fair.

When it’s not, spend lots of time being mad about it. Don’t forget to sulk and feel sorry for yourself.

We should always expect for life to be fair.

People will always care about you the way that you will care for others.

That sets you up for something. If you think that life should always be fair, then you are setting yourself up for misery. Nothing is more frustrating than unmet expectations.

Isaiah 55:8–9 (NIV)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 5:45 NIV

that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

SKIT: Scene 3

Tip #3 - When things make you angry, CLAM UP!

You should definitely stuff your feelings deep inside yourself.

Whaever you do, don’t find someone that can really help you sort out your feelings and give you great perspective.

You need to make sure that you let that anger burn inside of you.

-or-

If you are not into the “clam up” response, then try this. Try hitting the “automatic REPEAT BUTTON of your life.

Just keep telling the story of your hurt, over and over and over again. This will help you keep the feelings of hurt, resentment and anger beautifully alive in your life for years to come.

For the “Clam up” person:

James 5:16 NIV

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

For the Repeater:

Proverbs 27:3 (NIV)

Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.

Ephesians 4:26 NIV

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

SKIT: Scene 4

Tip #4 - When things get really rough, BLAME GOD.

Let your feelings and your painful circumstances rewrite His Word in your life.

After all, isn’t God supposed to be your Cosmic Santa Clause?

You have a perfect right to understand everything going on in your life.

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.