These gorgeous, flowering vines are surrounding dark, cramped bird cages. My imagination hears the flowers inviting those locked in cages of dark and angry thoughts to come out of their cramped quarters.
My own experience confirms it’s difficult to think rationally and creatively when filled with unresolved anger. Lacking hope, my brain and heart are without peace or freedom-producing strategies.
God alone has been able to unlock my mind’s cage storing emotional pain and negativity. I surrender my anger to him, and then I’m able to forgive. It doesn’t mean I tolerate continued hurtful behaviors. Setting healthy boundaries with forgiveness allows me to move on to mental freedom.
Self-help provides good information but no power to maintain freedom for any length of time. God’s power comes in when I surrender my ability to overcome unrelenting anger. Focusing my attention on Him and His words gets one out of the dark prison of anger.
CONSIDER:
He alone gives the ability to surrender anger and walk out forgiveness. Who or what injustice fills your mind and emotions with unrelenting anger? Are you willing to surrender them to God and receive His help?
Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done. That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (NLT: Hebrews 4: 13 – 17)