15th Aug - Mad? Here’s How to Handle It God’s Way

There are moments in life when someone pokes you just right, and suddenly, all your niceness evaporates. You feel it in your chest, your jaw, your clenched fists. It’s that split-second disconnect between your flesh and your spirit, and you realise - maybe you’re not as far along in your walk with Jesus in the “forgiving, kind and patient” department as you thought.

For me, it’s often when someone has messed with someone I love, especially one of my kids or my husband. I may be 5 ft 3 (and a bit), but in those moments, the “Mumma bear” in me wants to roar. And sometimes, Jesus gives me the go-ahead to act - praying first, then pursuing justice until the wrong is made right. That’s meant taking on government departments, hospital systems, and even entire school administrations when I’ve needed to fight for what’s right. My family know that when I get that look in my eye, everybody had better stand clear.

But there are other times when Jesus simply whispers: “This isn’t your fight - let it go.” And if I’m honest, those are harder. I want to put my fists up and teach someone a lesson. But maturity means trusting His promise: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19 NKJV).

It means handing it over and letting the God of justice take charge in the case, before I have to repent for losing my cool.

So what do we do in those moments when we’re mad? How do we process it without letting it consume us and we do some damage? Here’s what works for me.

Action Steps for When You’re Mad

1. Write it out - Grab a notebook or open a blank document and pour out every thought, frustration, and emotion. Seeing it written down helps you process without exploding on someone else.

2. Move your body - Go for a run, take a brisk walk, vacuum the whole house - do something physical to release the tension.

3. Pray while you move - Use that time to talk to God about what happened, how you feel, and ask Him for His perspective.

4. Talk to a safe person - Share with someone you trust who will listen without adding fuel to the fire. (My hubby is used to my “vent look.”)

5. Go to God’s Word - Read verses that remind you of God’s promises and His justice. Let His truth realign your thoughts and feelings.

6. Pray for the other person - Jesus said to pray for those who hurt you. When you can do this sincerely, you know your heart has shifted back into alignment with Him and you are growing into maturity - it's a process, but that's the goal :)

Bible Verses to Hold Onto

On Forgiveness:

• “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

  
  

• “Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

  
  

On God Having the Last Say:

• “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. — Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

  
  

• “No one can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” — Isaiah 43:13 (NIV)

  
  

On God Directing Our Steps:

• “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

  
  

• “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

  
  

• “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.” — Ephesians 3:20 (AMP)

It’s okay to feel mad, but it’s what you do next that shapes your maturity and your walk with Jesus. Let Him lead you, act when He says act, let go when He says let go, and trust the God of justice to take care of the rest.

Prayer

Lord, You know exactly what’s been said and done, and how it’s made me feel. I give You my anger, my frustration, and my need for justice. Thank You that You see the whole picture and that You promise to work all things together for my good. Please teach me to respond in ways that honour You and fill my heart with Your love where mine runs out. Give me the strength to pray blessing over those who’ve hurt me today, and to trust you with my whole life. In Jesus' name Amen.