How to Deal with Anger – Psalm 4

One of the verses I’m dwelling on in Psalm 4 today offers me more to contemplate about God showing anger, as I mentioned in a previous post. Find it here. I mentioned his is righteous anger. It’s never out of control, unkind, or unjustified.

Since we are made in God’s image* we can show anger as well. I didn’t like that thought in the past because it didn’t fit with my good girl paradigm. But here is how the psalmist tells us to deal with our anger.

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord” (Psalm 4:4-5 NIV).

That might be the key right there. Trust. We can be angry, yes. But it’s best to trust God, not taking matters into our own hands and causing damage, however. It’s talking about controlled anger. Lay down on your bed, quiet yourself, search your heart, offer it to God and trust him.

I like it that I’m told to take a nap.

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (verse 8).

*from Genesis chapter 1.

by Kathy Sheldon Davis