“God models the healthy type of anger for us…”

A thought by Lisa Bevere, from her book, Be Angry, But Don’t Blow It (p.12) Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

He is to be our example.

Lisa says, “Too frequently we live in a constant state of flare-up punctuated by brief interludes of happiness. God models the healthy type of anger for us: ‘For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime’ (Ps. 30:5 NIV).

“The ratio of anger to favor is very low. David described God’s anger as lasting but a moment. David should know; he experienced the anger of the Lord firsthand. He lost his son when the anger of the Lord was kindled against his secret sins of adultery and murder. David could have become embittered against God and viewed His anger as lasting a lifetime and His favor as momentary. Did not the sword continually visit his house? Yet David had caught a glimpse of God’s character and nature. Through repentance, he clung to God’s loving-kindness and mercy.”

She continues, “God in His anger may temporarily turn His face away, but by way of resolve, not by way of rejection. He understands our need to look away or walk away from the source of displeasure to prevent a destructive venting of anger. We do not walk away from others to punish them; we turn away so the embers of anger can cool and reason can again rule our hearts.

“God told Israel: ‘Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way’ (Ex. 33:3 NIV). And also: ‘For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee’ (Isa. 54:7 KJV).”

Lisa then says, “He forsakes or turns away for but a small moment then returns to gather us into His arms with great and multiple mercies. We are to turn away momentarily so we can separate the person from his actions, words, or behavior. Godly anger does not reject the person; it rejects his transgression and with a pure and good conscience seeks a moment of solitude to separate one from the other. I have had numerous examples of God graciously doing this for me.”

God, will you help us to turn away for a moment and then be gracious toward others?

Yes, yes!

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