Why Are You So Angry?

Why are you so angry? 
Sitting in your car, honking at the person in front of you who cut you off. Hoping they get pulled over for some other stupidity. Now your stomach is in knots, and the bit of peace you had this morning has fled. 

Why are you so angry? 
Glaring and making rude comments in your head to the person who is blocking your way, and won't pay attention because they are talking on their cell phone. You hate cell phones. They've turned everyone into jerks. 

Why are you so angry?
Dragging your feet going to work, wishing people would just stop talking to you. You don't want to hear their annoying excuses or justifications or lies about why they decided to do what they did. Hating that you have to work at a job you don't like because you need money. 

Why are you so angry?
Kids get home, and they immediately begin pushing your buttons, testing their limits. You have a headache, why can't they just do what they're told! Why are they fighting, banging around, making a mess and a ton of noise!
Why are you so angry? 

Why is that person so angry?
Honking at me, I don't know what I did...I'm distracted, thinking about my wife who is so sick, medical bills piling up, and I'm late for work. I feel scared, and weighed down. I'm sorry... 

Why is that person so angry? 
I'm standing here, arguing with my ex over custody, again. And she is calling me names, breaking my heart all over again. I don't know why that person is glaring at me. I feel so sad and hurt. I'm sorry...

Why is that person so angry? 
My co-worker rolling their eyes at me. I'm wishing I had the confidence to make a decision and be comfortable with it. Wishing I knew what to do in this situation. Wishing someone would acknowledge my feelings. I feel so alone and confused. I'm sorry...

Why is that person so angry? 
Tired today, and school was hard. Oh no, mom has a headache again. I'm tip-toeing around, trying not to disturb her. I'm so focused on trying to watch my step that I don't hear what she said. I'm trying to stay away, but I'm on edge. My sister called me a mean name, so I hit her. Now she's chasing me around, and mom is yelling at us. I feel sad and unforgivable. I'm sorry...

Why am I so angry? 
When that person cut me off, I felt disrespected, and invisible.
Why am I so angry? 
When that person wouldn't move, I felt disrespected and invisible. 
Why am I so angry?
When my co-worker was trying to lie and justify bad decisions, I felt like they thought I was stupid. I can't say anything because it might turn into a fight, and I hate fighting.  I feel helpless. 
Why am I so angry?
When my kids don't listen to me, I feel disrespected. I feel alone. I feel tired. I feel frustrated. I feel helpless. I feel overwhelmed. 
Why am I so angry? 
I feel like a failure.

---

I know what I say about me, and I think I know what others say about me, but what does God say about me?

Who I Am In Christ (Living Free in Christ, Neil Anderson)

I am accepted: 
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am justified (Romans 5:1)
I am united with God (1 Corinthians 6:17)
I am chosen by God and adopted as His child (Ephesians  1:3-8)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins (Colossians 1:13-14)

I am secure:
I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2)
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. (Romans 8:28)
I am not separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35-30)
I have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16)
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18)

I am significant:
I am a personal witness of Christ's (Acts 1:8)
I am God's coworker (1 Corinthians 3:9) 
I am God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

When we can take all the truth God says about us, and replace those lies, transformation happens. 

Why are you so happy? 
I have peace. I know where I can turn for help. I know I don't have to do this on my own. I have support, I have comfort, and I have real joy down in my being. I know who I am, I know where I came from, and I know where I am going. I can rejoice.