"Why Are Many Enraged?"

  I am so glad this election is over and I'll be even more glad when the swearing in of our new President is done just to get past all the drama and hate spewed. I have never in my lifetime heard as much anger, fighting and resentment in one election than the one we came through. What is more troubling is those claiming to be children of God were caught up in the roller coaster! I have heard from brethren that they have been over-come by anger and anxiety in many of these cases and are still fighting it! Brethren throwing around words we shouldn't be lending ourselves to. 

  The Greek word Scripture uses for anxiety or worry is the word merimnao. It comes from the verb merizo (to divide) and nous (mind). It literally means "to divide the mind" or "to draw in different directions"  Anxieties and worries draws our minds in different directions creating division. That division in our minds creates fears within and it is those fears that are raged against one another and the anger spews forth. That sounds like our election and our post-election doesn't it? I just spoke with someone yesterday still fuming about the whole election and the more they spoke the more angry they became. They were in the complete room of anxiety not even knowing where their divided mind was taking them!!

  Why don't we just take full advantage of our worries? Let's allow the anxiety of this world to become our anxiety. Let's take full advantage of the news media and allow them to fuel our minds to divide our thinking while it creates a rage within us. And brethren turn on one another! Anxiety, worry kicks God out. There is little trust and no "peace of God which surpasses all comprehension." (Phil. 4:7) All these media outlets are robbing God's children of His joy, His peace while we attack others who do not agree with us. All this worrying is making us better, isn't it? Worry creates panic and fear and fear is contagious! Many have gone on the attack spewing their anger at others who will listen. No one seems to hear God. Let's face it, treat yourself to a good dose of fretting and watch your concerns just drift away! We know that doesn't work. Anxiety, worries and fretting creates a new set of problems. Isaiah said, "But the wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud. There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked." (Isa. 57:20-21) 

  Let's be truthful. Anxiety and worries serves no purpose. It creates no advantages! In our rage we find an outlet for our minds drawn in different directions but it's only temporary. It's not long and back at the same anxiety but in another form. There will be a whole new fueling of anxieties when the swearing in comes and many will fall in line. We claim God is in control but live in such divided mind-sets we can't settle down. This worrying and fretting divides our minds, splits our thoughts from moment to moment and causes division among people. "For that man ought not expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (Jam. 1:7-8)

  Jesus is Lord in heaven and on earth. God installs kings and brings down kingdoms. God rules no matter what and we must put our trust in Him. We need to allow the peace of Christ to rule our hearts (Col. 3:15) and not this world or else you will find yourself fighting against the Lord Himself while destroying His purpose among His church. Just read Psa. 2!!