A stronghold of anger arises, digging in its heels, when a host no longer is able to reason or stay calm when facing a perceived crises or disagreement. In this case, the strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by the wrong is left unchecked. Uncontrolled or unrighteous anger can lead to trouble. Righteous anger is not considered a stronghold. However, anger that leads to sin or anger that stays longer than sun down opens a way for the devil.
Righteous anger defends the things of God and lasts for a short time. Selfish anger judges unrighteously and does not consult God in its evaluation or responses to what is perceived by its own judgement. This type of anger can continue until it kills, steals, or destroys.
When a stronghold of anger embeds in a host, the host will lash out without reason or provocation, not in self defence, but rather to demand its perceived rights. When the judgement of this type of anger is challenged it becomes blinded it its response. The stronghold of anger may bring on domestic violence, physical, and/or verbal abuse.
What can be done to distinguish righteous anger from a stronghold of anger and how can we overcome it?
1. Never stay in anger. Deal with whatever problem is causing it (if it’s righteous anger) and quickly move on. If your anger is caused by another stronghold and is not righteous, deal with this anger within. Forgive, pray, and make the proper adjustments you need to overcome this feeling.
Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.
2. Have self control. The anger you may be feeling might not be justified. Talk things over and/or research, but most importantly ask God what he would have you do.
James 1:19-20 Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. 20 An angry person doesn’t do what God approves of.
3. Watch your words. Select your words carefully whenever you are feeling upset. If you rouse anger in another person your own anger may rise up as well.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 29:11 A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.
4. Don’t be offended. Forgive and turn away from the cause of any offence.
Proverbs 19:11 A person with good sense is patient, and it is to his credit that he overlooks an offence.
Psalm 37:8 Let go of anger, and leave rage behind. Do not be preoccupied. It only leads to evil.
5. Stay away from people who have quick tempers. We eventually become like the people we are surrounded by.
Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not be a friend of one who has a bad temper, and never keep company with a hothead, or you will learn his ways and set a trap for yourself.