Anger Issues : January 24 – James 1:19 – 27
I remember attending a church service as a young boy where the worship leader was talking about the story of the penned words of the 1876 hymn named “It is Well with my Soul.” I was struck with this powerful story. How could a man live through the things that this man lived through and still come out the other side with a Servant’s heart? I was angry even hearing the story. It wasn’t fair! How could God do this to one of his children? As a young boy, I had to spend several days and several weeks really working through this anger.
I think all of us wrestle with this anger issues when it comes to things that happen in our life that we see as problematic, not comfortable, or just downright painful. We ask God questions instead of running to his word for his answers. The wisdom that is found in James 1:19-27 when we respond sinfully to a trial is something that we must begin to learn together. Check out the passage, and check out the words that Horatio Spafford penned hundreds of years ago in a moment when he could have responded sinfully to trials that he was experiencing. I look forward to hearing Pastor Ken Cooper talk about this section of scripture!
-Pastor Chris
It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
(refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(refrain)
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
