Read Exodus 17:3 and Proverbs 14:29
“But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?’” - Exodus 17:3
“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” - Proverbs 14:29
Discover
1. Despite Moses’ redirection from verse 2, who do the Israelites continue to blame?
2. What is the true issue causing them to complain?
3. How does this proverb show that anger in itself isn’t necessarily sinful?
Respond
The Israelites may be undergoing something known as an “amygdala hijack” – a personal, emotional response that is immediate, overwhelming, and out of measure with the actual stimulus because it has triggered a much more significant emotional threat. Have the past ten months caused something similar in you? What situations have caused unprocessed or raw emotions to come out sideways in anger? Spend a few minutes reflecting on this now, asking God to give you what this Proverb talks about – a supernatural understanding and greater self-awareness.
For Further Reading: Why Has Quarantine Made Me So Angry?
*For more practical resources related to this week’s readings, visit tpcc.org/anger.
**TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.
For Families with Kids at Home
No doubt you have felt anger more often than normal as a parent over these last ten months. Today, confess the times you have felt the most anger over this last year, and if needed, apologize to your kids for times you have been angry with them and responded emotionally.