False beliefs that cause Anger

Past frustrations can lead to false beliefs. Misconceptions keep us from applying good clear choices of how to best deal with anger and, other issues and struggles. To manage life successfully, we must replace false beliefs with God’s Truth.

1.    My history of rejection leaves me emotionally depleted: Some people believe they are forever jinxed because they have felt rejected several times. This false belief does not prepare people emotionally when others’ do not accept them. So when rejection continues, hope fades while anger builds. “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).   

2.    God should have stopped my problems: Anger is often a result of suffering. Although it is easy to assume God doesn’t care, the Bible in Romans 8:28, tells us that all things are work together for good for those who trust in God. “Be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through the belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13b).

3.    Letting go of my anger means I am conceding defeat: Angry people feel like victims because of wrongs they have endured. Some wrongs are underserved and other wrongs are brought on by poor choices. Either way, victimization causes angry people to conclude that forgiveness is unreasonable. “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace” (Psalm 37:37).

4.    No one understands my unique problems: Instead of focusing on the differences between your circumstances and those of other people, we can come to see that everyone knows disappointment in one way or another. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even through refined fire, may be proven genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Christ Jesus is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-9).

5.    I don’t deserve to be happy: Sometimes we allow ourselves to be weighed down by the issues of others. Instead of taking responsibility for their issues, we can view our efforts at making healthy choices as a responsible contribution to the well-being of those who play important roles in our lives. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:67).  

6.    There is nothing to look forward to anymore: When people have a pattern of irritability, it is easy for them to conclude that their future will be no different. Angry people can be so tied to their angry pattern they falsely conclude that attempts to change would be pointless. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (2 Corinthians 2:9).