I have, on multiple occasions, had a splinter in my finger, hand, foot, or some other part of my body. In those instances I have chosen to either deal with the splinter or let it alone hoping that it would work itself out.
Where, there were times, when the splinter did indeed work itself out, it took a very long time and thankfully it was small enough that it caused manageable discomfort. In those times I took the time to remove the splinter, I was able to get relief and move on with everything else in very short order. Yes, there may have been some discomfort at the moment, but relief was quick. And then there were the times when the splinter did not work itself out, and whoa was it difficult to deal with. That splinter festered and became swollen and tender to the touch, so much so that any light graze caused sharp pains. It got so bad that I eventually had to deal with it and in doing so, there was a lot of hesitation, pain, and regret that it seemed to take for ever just to dig it out. And then, there was the time for healing. There was continued pain, and discomfort and picking with it that it took days for the healing process to complete, and I still remember it all.
“9Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” — Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)
Anger will eat at you until it is dealt with. I may be inclined to deal with it by allowing it to subside on its own or I can take action and get it out now. I may have some discomfort with the situation and dealing with the anger, but I will be able to get it out and move on. When the anger is not dealt with, I experience continued pain and swelling and it just seems to fester. I finally have enough and work to deal with it and experience that hesitation and regret to that I had not done anything to that point. And then, once the anger is gone, there is still this feeling that lingers for a good while, sometimes it seems to not subside at all. And then there are the reminders around that show what the anger did to me and others, further extending the discomfort.
I have to remember that anger should be dealt with now and in a very deliberate way. I also have to remember that my anger needs to be directed at the situation and not the person. I have to silently work through it and find the reason that can be worked to relieve the anger. Yes, there will be discomfort in the moment and it will not be a fun experience to work through, but the anger will be gone and likely will be forgotten.
It is easy to be angry, and for sure it is a part of our character as human. It is how I deal with that anger that give me the opportunity to demonstrate the love afforded to me from God. I have a choice to act out or hold back. I have the choice to get it out or allow it to work out. I have to take stock in the degree of discomfort I am will encounter with each.
What anger are you dealing with? Are you allowing it to work itself out and what discomfort are you dealing with? What if you were to deal with it and not let it fester to the point of continued pain and discomfort that lasts well beyond the release?
Trevor's Thoughts 