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AfterThoughts: June 28, 2026

June 28, 2026
What Do You Do with the Mad that You Feel?
Psalm 4

 

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series in the book of Psalms, teaching from Psalm 4. In these verses, he expanded on two points:

  • Anger Is Not An Emotion To Be Avoided And Repressed
  • Godly Anger Always Requires Our Reflection And Redirection

GOING DEEPER: 

  • Pastor David explained that anger is not an emotion to be avoided or repressed (Psalm 4:4). In Psalm 4, King David is addressing the same opponents as in Psalm 3—those who were attacking his reputation and opposing God’s chosen king. In both Psalm 4:4 (David) and Ephesians 4:26 (Paul), Scripture tells us to be angry and yet not sin. There are some things that should evoke righteous anger in us: racism, abuse, human trafficking, and corruption. In the Gospel accounts, Jesus experienced His own righteous anger. What circumstances in our world evoke righteous anger in your soul?
     
  • Pastor David pointed out that godly anger always requires reflection and redirection (Psalm 4:4). The person controlled by anger wants to speak up and out immediately. David, however, wrote these words: “Be silent.” “Reflect.” “Examine your own heart.” This is not weakness but godly wisdom. This is how anger is kept from becoming sin. A good, practical takeaway from this passage is seeking to build your life on the practice of not responding or acting upon the anger you feel immediately. How do you pause and take time to reflect before responding? Are you in the habit of praying first before you respond? What other disciplines do you practice that keep you from responding in haste?
     
  • Unrighteous, unhealthy anger is loud and always in a hurry to make a point or settle a score. Anger can alert us that something is wrong. It can expose injustice. It can reveal that a boundary has been crossed. But anger was never meant to sit on the throne of your heart. Anger is a good messenger but a terrible king. What circumstances in your life tempt you to unrighteous anger? Is your anger really about your pride, self-absorption, insecurity, or getting even?
     
  • Pastor David emphasized that when we are mad or angry, we should surrender our emotions to God and invite Him to work in our hearts. Stop trying to take control of the situation yourself and entrust it to the One who judges rightly. The solution to sinful anger is not merely self-control; it is renewed trust in God (Psalm 4:5). Pour out your heart to the Lord! Anger is a reckless driver, so do not give it the keys to the car of your life. Instead, through the work of the Holy Spirit, bring your emotions to God, submit to Him, and trust Him to lead you where anger never could. How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for confession, repentance, and surrender? How can you practice bringing your emotions to the Lord this week and lying down in safety to sleep (Psalm 4:8)?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

  • To view past sermons, please click here.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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