Study 14

Text: Psalm 4

DEALING WITH DEEP-SEATED FEELINGS LIKE ANGER

When dealing with the problem of evil, there will be times when we will have to confront and grapple with "negative" responses. One such is the problem of "anger."

"Be angry and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed,
And be still."
Psalm 4:4

When we see evil, many things inside us could be stirred up! We need to sort out our feelings very carefully, or we could end up in sin ourselves.

DARK FEELINGS EXPOSED

What are some of the dark feelings we could experience as we confront evil?

1. The problem of self-righteousness

When we see evil, there is a tendency to feel that we are more righteous than the wicked! That is an almost "automatic" response on our part!

2. The problem of retaliation

Sometimes we may even feel like "hitting back." We have to watch ourselves, for these feelings can get the better of us, if we are not careful.

3. The problem of anger

Anger is only one of the dark feelings that we need to be careful of. Obviously, there is some danger afoot, with reference to this reaction.

a) Anger can cause a person to retaliate very fiercely, even violently

b) Anger can cause a person to perform evil deeds just like the wicked

THE MOST SENSIBLE SOLUTION

What is the most sensible thing a person should do when feelings seek to take control? The psalmist David was right when he wrote about the need to meditate.

1. Deal with the problem of anger immediately- before the night is over!

2. Meditate on the Lord till He takes away the feeling of anger

3. Don't stop meditating till the feeling of anger is replaced by a sense of stillness in the heart.

4. Meditating- In the Scriptures, this act consists of at least two things:- Prayer and the Word of God.

Cultivate Biblical Meditation till stillness of heart and mind is present!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~

Released 7th March 2004, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore