We all love the idea of discipling our children... until the attitudes flare up. The constant sibling squabbles continue. The disobedience rears its ugly head.
And suddenly, despite our best intentions, anger can boil over.
This past week, I’ve found myself right there—exhausted, weary, and wondering how to disciple well when I’m battling anger.
Let’s be real—anger is inevitable. Anger and learning how to deal with conflict is part of family life. It’s not the feeling that’s the problem; it’s what we do with it. I’m reminded of the verse:
“In your anger, do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26)
It’s not that we experience anger, but how we respond.
I don’t have any formulas or neat and tidy solutions—just dependence. I’m on my knees this week, confessing when I cross the line, asking God (and even crying out at times) for help. I’m convinced, that’s where we have to start—with humility.
To close, I offer you a prayer that’s helped me lately—which I stumbled across in a little book of written prayers. I hope it may help you too find strength and cleansing and renewal when you need it most:
Lord Jesus, I truly regret my sin of anger, I come to you in humility and lowliness of heart and mind. I acknowledge my sin of anger, specifically _______________, and I repent. I turn from that way to walk in Your chosen path of righteousness. I ask you to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness, pride, self-centeredness, hate, rage, bitterness, resentment, strife, contention, taking offense, giving offense, misplaced hostility, indifference, and all forms of anger in my life.
Lord Jesus, Your Word says that Your anointing destroys all yolks of bondage (Isaiah 10:27) so I ask you now to cause your anointing to break and destroy any yolks and strongholds of pride, self-centeredness, hate, rage, bitterness, resentment, strife, contention, take offense, giving offense, misplaced hostility, indifference and all forms of anger in my life, along with all their works, roots, fruits, tentacles, and links that are in my life and the lives of anyone in my household, according to John 14:14.
Lord Jesus fill me in all these areas that were set free with your Love and Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be the parent you have called me to be—a Shepherd of my children’s hearts, an ambassador of Your Love and a Beacon of Your Light and Hope. Give me strength in moments of weakness to overcome the temptation to act and respond in anger. Give me a heart of grace and compassion for my children as they learn, grow and mature. Thank you that you are faithful and You will do it.
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
We can’t rewind or redo what’s already been done—but we can seek repair. After we’ve had an unpleasant anger moment, we can and should make sure we restore with our child or children by showing affection, reconnecting, admitting we got it wrong, seeking forgiveness and receiving God’s gift of a fresh start the next day. Really, this is showing how grace works in real life and that’s important for our kids to see too.
Be encouraged dear parent, that as we invite God into moments when anger arises—we can trust He is working and is the One who can truly help us, heal us and gradually shift our hearts to the point where—no matter what we face with our children—we can react and respond in ways that are pleasing to Him and loving to them, no matter what.
I’ve got a long way to go…how about you? But at least we’re in this together!
From My Heart and Home to Yours,
Ali
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Homes of Glory provides biblical encouragement & practical tips to help families stay grounded and growing in Jesus Christ.
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