Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” – Genesis 4:6 (NIV)
Have you ever been angry? You may have just returned from deployment and received a bad phone call or even had a fight with a loved one. You may have been so upset that you wanted to take a baseball bat to an old car and let out all your frustration.
Anger is not wrong (Ephesians 4:26), but anger has a way of consuming us and those around us. Cain was angry with his brother, and God confronted him. God asked him the “why” question that forced Cain to deal with the root cause of his anger. Cain ignored God and it led to murder.
You can deal with anger differently. First, ask what really triggered your anger. It may not be the initial thing you think it is. Take time to think about the real reason for your anger. Second, ask why you are responding to the trigger by becoming angry. This is a question about motives! Third, find a real solution. Sure beating up an old car or yelling may feel good but it also develops a habit of using adrenaline to solve your anger problems. Real solutions require communication and thoughtful alternatives.
Anger is powerful, but ask God to help you solve it His way.
