"Mad"

We were at the high school rodeo,

When a parent got real mean,

And let’s just say their language,

Was something less than clean.

Fussin’ ‘bout a judge’s call,

They thought wasn’t right,

Loaded up and sped away,

Said they were through that night.

Saw two daddies fightin’,

At the deer camp other day,

Both their sons were watching,

When I heard ‘em say,

They were tired of all the braggin’,

‘Bout who killed the biggest buck,

And when we got between ‘em

Thought we might be out of luck.

I saw it at the ropin’,

The cowboy church put on,

A header and a heeler,

And which one got it wrong.

When the steer just plumb out-run ‘em,

And they never got a shot,

Right there in that arena,

Their tempers flew real hot.

Sometimes can’t help but wonder,

If we’ll ever get this right,

When oh so many people,

Seem to be so uptight.

We’re angry with our spouses,

With coaches, teachers, too,

We’re mad at those we work with,

And angry words we spew.

We’re mad at politicians,

We get angry with the news,

And even when we go to church,

We’re angry in the pews.

Pretty much in every case,

I’ve seen folks turn unkind,

Don’t care who they’re hurting,

When they unload their mind.

Looks like they just aren’t thinkin’,

‘Bout the youngster standin’ near,

Cause then they’d be more careful,

‘Bout what they let them hear.

From the ones who give example,

And show ‘em everyday,

How they are supposed to act,

Their words and actions say.

So, Lord, please give us mercy,

Forgive us for our rants,

Help us die to selfishness,

And give to us the chance,

To make peace with our brothers,

And live in harmony,

And, Lord, please bless the children,

And help them clearly see,

That You are real and worthy,

And You have changed us so,

Delivered us from anger,

So Jesus all will know.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior…” (Ephesians 4:31, NLT)

If they could bottle the words you speak on any given day and at day’s end pour the contents of the bottle over your head, would you be healed or hurt by what you said? Would you be cleansed or made dirty? Good questions, don’t you think? We live in a very harsh, angry world. The public debate is full of poisonous vitriol, so much so that if you are exposed to it too much it will make you sick. God’s people are called to get rid of their anger and its underlying reasons. We are called to love and forgive everyone. This is a very counter-cultural way to live, when pushing back harder is the world’s answer to conflict. No, we aren’t called to be door-mats, either. But becoming a peace-maker requires deliverance from rage. You simply can’t walk in the Spirit and constantly react out of your hurts and resentment.

Lord, deliver us from anger and every evil, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Stephanie Roundy, used by permission. Thanks, Stephanie, and God bless you.