“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret . . .” Psalm 37
Speaking of blowing one’s horn at another driver because the traffic flow was not conducive, consider the following report:
“According to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 80 percent of U.S. drivers expressed significant anger, aggression, or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year. The most alarming findings suggest that approximately eight million U.S. drivers engaged in extreme examples of road rage, including purposefully ramming another vehicle or getting out of the car to confront another driver. Many drivers reported engaging in the following types of road rage:
Purposefully tailgating: 51 percent
Yelling at another driver: 47 percent
Honking to show annoyance or anger: 45 percent
Making angry gestures: 33 percent
Trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes: 24 percent
One of the study’s researchers concluded, “Inconsiderate driving, bad traffic and the daily stresses of life can transform minor frustrations into dangerous road rage. Far too many drivers are losing themselves in the heat of the moment and lashing out in ways that could turn deadly.”[1]
I understand that this report may seem a bit extreme when addressing a common problem of emotional responses. But the outcome deserves significant attention, especially from a spiritual perspective: too many people are losing themselves in the heat of the moment.
In Psalm 37:8 the Bible instructs, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it only leads to evil.” The Hebrew word that translates, cease from anger, is a word that actually means “to breath hard.” This represents an uncontrollable emotional reaction that gives the circumstance control of your life. We often desire control, but I have realized that the more I vie for control, the more I find myself emotionally responsive to the event instead of faithfully turning to God.
When fretfulness tempts you to spout off emotionally, refrain. The Hebrew word, herep, expresses the idea, “to drop.” But more than simply letting go of something that has upset you, refrain from anger indicates a willful choice not to allow the moment to control or define you. A willful choice! This is challenging indeed. In the “heat of the moment,” we must choose to control our emotional responses. If we do not handle our emotions, our emotions will handle us. I must choose this in the moment. And, why is this so important? The above verse reminds us that not having this control “only leads to evil.”
When I am told of a food that is proven too bad for me, I avoid that food. When I am told of a particular exercise that my knees can no longer handle, I modify my workout. When the little “ding” on my “map app” tells me to travel a new course because of road construction ahead, I follow the prompts and change directions. And why? Because medical science, physical therapists, and computer maps are for the most part, accurate. So, I listen to the expertise.
When the Bible – God’s Holy and Inspired Word, instructs us to avoid negative emotions because they will bring evil (harmful consequences), we must listen.
So, refrain from emotional responses that you know ahead of time will be destructive. Decide now, before the proverbial, “heat of the moment.” And, if situations seem too out of control, please seek help from trusted counsel.
Sometimes, the godliest thing we can do is “nothing” (meaning “nothing” in response to the heated moment). So, when a moment heats up, refrain. “Drop it” like a hot potatoe. And trust God to lead you through the adversity with the peace that can only come through Jesus Christ our Lord (John 16:33).
Live in peace. Trust the Holy Spirit in you. And, walk unscathed by fretful moments in life.
Blessings.
[1] Tamra Johnson, “Nearly 80 Percent of Drivers Express Significant Anger, Aggression or Road Rage,” AAA News Room (7-16-16)
