Sold Out, Broken, and Closed

Why does everything feel sold out, broken or closed? Or maybe it seems you’re on the losing side?

Sometimes we can find ourselves in times in our lives where it seems we are just trying to get by and open doors that seem to be bolted shut for what seems like indefinite periods of time. Our understanding of God’s purpose and plan for our lives makes sense in in our own head, as well as the method on how to get there, but have we really considered the masterplan of Christ?

When things don’t go as planned, get taken away from you, or don’t work the way you want it to, it may cause a sense of irritation and anger that needs to be dealt with before it spirals out of control.

Anger is something we have all experienced, but have we all experienced the freedom without it? The reality is, some of us are walking in the aftermath of manifested anger. This looks like bitterness, resentment, and offence towards people, and even God. The root of anger comes from the feelings of being hurt by something, someone, or a situation; which then start to cultivate a type of rage inside us.

Catch yourself.

If you find yourself angry at God; catch yourself. If you find yourself doubting His promise or purpose for your life; catch yourself. If you find yourself asking God why; catch yourself. Catch yourself or put an end to this type of thinking. If not, it only inhibits a true relationship with Christ that is self-serving and ceases to place full reliance and trust on His greater plan for you.

Anger gives leverage to tear up relationships, an invitation for depression, isolation, and the inability to mend your broken heart. All of this prevents us from moving forward and allows us to assume a victim mentality. Whatever the case may be, the Bible gives clear identification on this lethal cocktail called anger.

Proverbs 29:11 says,

“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

Is all anger bad though?

In short, yes, but the Bible also mentions that anger, if used to prove the righteousness of God is permissible and as long as it does not lead to sin. Does this give permission to let revenge, bitterness, or range ensue in our lives? Absolutely not. In Ephesians 4:26-31, Paul tells us,

"not to let the sun go down while you are still angry,”

meaning, do not let anger prevail and ferment your future endeavors or rot your joy. Instead, let God transform anger in a way that sheds light on what is good and pure for that specific moment; without giving a foothold to adverse ideologies to hurt others or even yourself.

Do not be grieved by God, or by a perceived injustice by Him or people around you. God is always on your side and making a way that proves HIS way, HIS righteousness, and HIS glory so that we can be ambassadors and recipients of His love, truth, and perfect masterplan. You are not forgotten, you are not invisible, and you are not left behind in His sight. Sometimes a mere feeling like anger can dissolve our perception and security with Christ. Friends, it’s time to walk into freedom and forgiveness. A place where the things that feel sold out are reimbursed, where the things that feel broken are mended, and the doors that seem to have closed, will open.

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19).