Like each of the negative and painful emotions we experience as a Hurting Mom, anger is part of the same roller-coaster. It just represents a different car. We never know from day to day which car we will be riding in, but we all spend some amount of time in the anger car.

Our deepest hurt eventually turns to anger. My anger was directed at the child who was hurting me at first, but eventually it spilled over into being angry with other members of my family and then being angry with myself. The biggest struggle with anger, became my anger toward God. Why wasn’t He answering my prayers? Why didn’t He step in and change the circumstances of her life and her choices? How could He let me hurt so much if He really loved me?

While anger may at first be a natural and healthy response to our pain, if it is not dealt with and resolved, it can burrow into our life and take up permanent residence. It is miserable to live in a perpetual state of being angry. It can suck the life right out of us. But, how do we move past our anger? How can we exit the anger car on the roller-coaster?

In Scripture God has some very clear instructions regarding anger and we also learn that He will be the one to help us move beyond it, if we are willing to let Him. In Colossians 3:8 (NIV) it says, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from hour lips.” And in Psalm 37:8 (NIV) it says, “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.”

We want to turn away from our anger, don’t we? But how in the world are we supposed do that? By ourselves we are powerless over our anger or any of our negative emotions. But, the Bible also tells us that with Christ we are not alone, and He will help us. In Psalm 68:19 (NIV) it says, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our savior, who daily bears our burdens.” It reminds us not only that we are not alone, but that we have a savior who ready and willing help us.

Turn to Jesus today and hear Him say, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV) Those are life-giving words. Let them sink in and allow him to help you in the midst of your pain and anger.