subject: How To Overcome Agitation And Anger [print this page] Have you ever been so agitated by someone or something that you completely lost your cool? I have. But becoming agitated and angry because of people, situations, and circumstances is a pattern of behavior that robs you of your peace and joy. Here are some keys to overcoming the temptation to act negatively as a result of your emotions, and gain victory over the outcome of your feelings.
Key One: Understand the source
Agitation is really a manifestation of fear designed to steal our peace. As challenging as it may seem, we must make a quality decision to not become agitated. An important thing to know about agitation is that it is fear-based. In fact, whenever agitation is present, it is an indication that fear is there. And fear is produced by unbelief. In other words, when we don't believe what God's Word has to say about a particular issue, we will become afraid.
Key Two: Why the enemy uses agitation
Why does the enemy attack us with agitation? He does this in an attempt to steal our peace, which happens to be one of our most valuable spiritual assets. Fortunately, when we grab on to the Word of God during times of agitation, it will settle our hearts and calm our souls. In John 14:27 Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." The same peace that carried Jesus through His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, the scourging with the cat-o'-nine tails, the crucifixion, and his trip to the pit of hell and back is the peace He has left to us! Our job is to meditate on the Word of God and the peace of God during times of agitation. We must decide beforehand that we will not be agitated.
Key Three: Hold fast to your peace
I am holding on to my peace at all costs. Second Peter 3:14 says, "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." When Jesus comes back, there are three things the Word mentions that He'll be looking for: purity, blamelessness, and peacefulness. Maintaining our peace is as important as being morally sound, according to this scripture; therefore, we would do well to make sure we are receiving and maintaining Jesus peace at all times.
The most challenging thing to do in the midst of extreme agitation is maintain our peace; however, we must grab hold of the Word of God when we are agitated and disturbed. Philippians 4:6 gives specific instructions for avoiding agitation. It says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
God isn't saying to be full of cares over some things and not others. He says we should refuse to take care concerning anything. This means refusing to accept agitation when it tries to attack our minds and emotions. We must also pray and give thanks in the midst of every situation or agitating encounter. When we do this, we return to the peace of God and remain in a position of power. The choice is yours!
