How to Control Your Attitude and Anger
Think about that sharp, biting anger that shoots up anytime that family member pokes one of your buttons. Maybe you don’t explode, but it’s still there, simmering beneath the surface.
As you’re trying to brush it off, you’re probably wondering how to control your attitude and anger—it’s something we all want to know.
And while we’re not going to pretend like there’s one magic answer to resolve all your problems, we will share that James 1:19–20 has us convinced that our unhealthy anger in those moments is only going to lead us away from God’s plan for us.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19–20).
Human anger doesn’t often produce God’s best in us, but we do think that God has a plan for developing our character through those times—if we just invite him into them.
So next time you feel anger’s hot flash, and get the sense it’s the type of anger that isn’t producing God’s character in you, we hope this Scripture and prayer will give you some practical words to invite God into that moment. Here’s a prayer for anger control:
A Prayer for Anger Control
God of peace and patience, help me in this moment of anger to slow down and invite you to guide both my character and conduct. Father, who isn’t surprised by the things that make me angry, grant me a grace-filled perspective towards the people and circumstances that have set me off. And Lord, show me the right way to walk through this situation, letting go of the quick anger that tempts me, and speaking up with gentleness. Help me to accept that ultimately, the resolution is yours to unfold, not mine to force. Amen.
