Mastering the Storm Within - Why Are You Angry?

Welcome to another edition of Faith & Focus!

If you’ve ever found yourself replaying a frustrating conversation in your head like a Nollywood drama, plotting the perfect comeback that you should have said, this one’s for you.

Let’s be honest - anger is sneaky. It shows up uninvited, stirs up trouble, and before you know it, you’re fuming over something that, in hindsight, wasn’t that serious.

The thing about anger is that it often makes a fool of even the wisest person. And, let’s face it, no one wants to be the person who lost their cool over something trivial (or worse, the one who made a mountain out of a molehill at work).

A Love Note to You Today

Imagine a sculptor working tirelessly on a masterpiece. Each stroke of the chisel brings out more beauty, more refinement. But then, frustration sets in, and in a moment of anger, he takes a hammer and shatters it all. That’s what anger does - it destroys what we have painstakingly built.

We must learn to master our emotions - whether in our personal lives, at work, or in any endeavour. Wisdom is not just about knowing what to say; it’s also about knowing when to be silent, when to walk away, and when to let things go.

As a mother of two beautiful babies (both under five!), I’ve had to teach myself patience - real patience. When my kids ignore clear instructions, my natural instinct sometimes says, React! But the Holy Spirit says, Reign it in! And the more I learn this lesson at home, the better I apply it at work.

Let’s be honest: the workplace can be challenging - different teams, different personalities, different workplace cultures - it’s easy to lose our peace in the name of "being human." But what if we chose to be a different kind of human? One who is intentional about our responses, rather than reactive?

A wise soldier doesn’t wait for war to decide on his strategy. He prepares ahead. The same applies to managing emotions.

Have you ever asked yourself, What will I do when someone provokes me? Many of us assume we’ll figure it out in the moment, but preparedness is key. If you don’t decide in advance, emotions will decide for you. Taking a position early is therefore critical.

James 1:19-20 (NIV) reminds us: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

Anger, as one preacher put it, is an "anointing from the devil." It strips us of our strength and sanctification. God has empowered us for great things, but we must protect that grace by refusing to be derailed by destructive emotions.

Indeed, certain people and situations are strategically placed in our lives to refine us. Sometimes, the most frustrating colleagues, the most difficult clients, or even the most exhausting family members are actually divine instruments for our growth. Nothing is coincidental.

God orchestrates circumstances to bring out the best in us - or to reveal areas that need work. If we are wise, we will recognize these moments as opportunities. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." So, before you let anger take over, ask yourself - Is this a refining moment?

Imagine blowing up a big, beautiful balloon - then, just as you admire its fullness, a tiny pin pricks it. POP! That’s exactly what anger does. One outburst can deflate your credibility, your peace, and your progress.

Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) says, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."

The most successful people aren’t the ones who never get frustrated; they’re the ones who refuse to let frustration dictate their actions. So, as you navigate 2025, choose to respond with wisdom, patience, and grace. Let anger know it has no seat at your table.

And if all else fails, take a deep breath, count to ten, and remember - you’re too purpose-driven to let something small steal your peace.

Here’s to emotional mastery, greater impact, and a joy-filled year ahead!

Love,

Esther