I have been under-employed for two years (10 – 15 hrs/wk at minimum wage) in spite of constant submissions of applications for jobs. I am growing more depressed each day because my prayers for local jobs for my wife and myself seem to go unanswered.
While browsing your site for previous articles, I came across the Bible study titled “Forgiveness”. After reading it, I concluded that most likely my anger is keeping me from enjoying God’s blessings. In line with John’s and your teaching, I often invoke 1 John 1:9 only minutes later to find myself awash in the same anger for which I have just asked forgiveness.
I completely understand the concepts presented in your article and I have tried to forgive those against whom my anger is directed but my attempts in the practical application of that forgiveness fail miserably. How can an imperfect sin-filled creature such as myself even begin to fulfill the requirements of maintaining daily fellowship with God?
I understand your frustration, but the Bible says you have the freedom to let go of your anger. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Paul couldn’t have said that if you couldn’t do it.
According to Ephes. 4:26-27 your anger, justified though it may be, is a sin that has given the devil a stronghold in your mind. 2 Cor. 10:3-5 tells us how to demolish his strongholds, and James 4:7 says when we resist the devil he will flee from us.
This doesn’t happen right away very often. You will have to keep choosing to forgive even when you don’t feel like it to conquer this, but if you remain in the Lord and persist, you will succeed. And remember to keep asking the Lord to forgive you for your anger as well as well.