Whatever Happened to Yesterday

I certainly have fond memories of my childhood days: roaming our small town carefree; every night was another episode of kick-the -can throughout the neighborhood. The only real worry was making sure my homework was done before bedtime. That was life. 

Particularly in the last twenty years, much has changed. Children tend to be safely guarded and if more than eyesight away, a cellphone is attached to their hip. Worry seems to hang over us all the time. If not controlled, our worry can easily lead to anger issues. 

For many people, anger has taken over their lives. According to statistics, the number of people with severe anger issues has doubled in the past twenty years. In fact, 33 million Americans have been clinically diagnosed with explosive anger. And anger is not a fleeting moment.  One out of every three people in the United States report feeling angry every day. Every day of their lives. Every day. 

Anger can easily boil over. Other statistics state that road rage is involved in over 50% of fatal accidents; 37% of workplace violence is because of festering anger; 52% of childhood abuse is linked to parental anger. The statistics continue about the effects of anger and its toll on our mental and physical health. 

The good news is that anger management programs can reduce outburst by 70%. Relaxation techniques, journaling, and even regular exercise can help manage our frustrations. 

Nothing, though, works as well as your personal time with God.  

• Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:105 

• Come unto Me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28 

• Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 

• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 

• The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10 

• Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 

• Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 

There is one constant when anger rules us. “Whatever begins in anger ends in shame.” Benjamin Franklin  

If you struggle with anger, know that you are not alone. Make the change for the betterment of not only you but those around you. Don’t be another angry headline. 

This post is appreciative to igniteamerica.com and gitnux.com for statistics.