"Men in rage strike those that wish them best.” -William Shakespeare

I hope that I'm making some sort of personal progress with all of these posts. I know that in my life  I regress occasionally, but regression is proof of change. In case you're just joining us, here are the other posts in my emotional saga:

Resolutions

Fear of Failure

Jealousy

On to the next one: RAGE.

A conversation occurred between my husband and I, resulting in him telling me that often I don't seem "happy." This was a painful accusation, since I don't necessarily consider myself UN-happy. He pointed out that a "happy" person doesn't usually have major melt downs and tantrums as often as I do. (He wasn't being mean- I asked him for a blunt evaluation. He is exceptional at bluntness.)

Since the conversation, I've taken time to notice how often I go from 0 to 60. If you're wondering, I do it a lot. Dog has an accident on the floor? Ok, that's fine. Dog then STEPS in accident on the floor? Insta-Hulk. Seriously- it's insane.

Not only does my blood pressure suffer from these mini-rage episodes, but my poor fur babies and fur-less husband also take a beating (figuratively, of course).

 

 Anger, unlike jealousy or an unnecessary fear, is not something I can stop feeling. God gets angry and Jesus got angry- it's natural and it's ok. Rage is NOT ok.

Because He is a just God, God is angry with sinners every day. Surely God's anger is not wrong. It is proper, for it is even based on His justice [Psalm 7:11] 

Rage [n]
   : a strong feeling of anger that is difficult to control
   : a sudden expression of violent anger

There are things that I am not in control over and there are things that I AM in control over.  My next emotional-goal is to move anger/temper from the "uncontrollable" category into the other- and dispose of this "rage" all together. 

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,  and do not give the devil a foothold.  He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [Ephesians 4:26-31]

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. [James 1:19-20]

Rage is dangerous. I have taken a swing (at my best friend) out of range. When my dogs make me extremely angry I swat their noses and yell. When I stub my toe, hit my head, or cut my finger I react with tears of rage and push away anyone that tries to comfort me. My rage starts with me, but ends with someone else getting hurt.

My goal is not to shove the Bible down your throat, but when I struggle, the Bible is a strong, stable, everlasting source to turn to. Rage is a sin- a sin against love. The worst kind of sin, in my book. 

Through prayer and perseverance, I can control my anger.

I can count to 10 before reacting.

I can remove myself from the situation to calm down.

I can practice yoga and meditation. 

I can address my annoyances and frustration before they grow into rage.

What I can't do is ignore my behavior. For the sake of my hubby, our dogs, my friends and family, and myself, I won't ignore my tendency toward rage. Here's to being happier and in control.

The Green-Eyed Monster

Jealousy is insanely powerful. Lately I've noticed that it consumes me more than I'd like to think. I've been close to swearing off Facebook because sometimes I see a photo or status that make me so bitter and jealous, it ruins my day. How dumb is that?!

 

It starts with jealously and evolves into:

- anger (someone is doing something that I can't)

- hatefulness (they don't deserve do to something/get something/etc.)

- depression (I'll never achieve/experience/have what they do)

Jealousy is a serious diseases that, unless confronted, grows and flourishes while masked beneath other negative emotions. It's pretty repulsive. 

I discovered my moldy, germinating jealousy when I realized that I have a very hard time being genuinely happy for others. My initial reaction to seeing friends' vacation photos, lavish gifts, and happy moments posted to FB is very hostile and sour. What's up with that?

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. [Proverbs 14:30]

Now that I've recognized these festering feelings, I can finally address them and continue on my way to happiness and joy. Instead of scrolling past the pictures on FB and mumbling rude, untruthful things under my breath, I comment and express how cool it is that the person went there/got that/saw this/meet them. Because it IS cool! And sometimes I do cool things and others let me know that they're happy for me. That's how being a happy, kind human being works. (On and off Facebook!)

I don't know where or when this invasive jealous was planted in my soul, but I'm going to take the time to weed it out. When I'm happy for others, I am happy for me... and that's the goal, right? Goodbye, jealousy. Hello, joy.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. [1 Peter 4:8]