How Inadequate Self-Care Leads To Anger

As I reflect on the presence of anger in my life - and not the good and righteous anger we see Christ exhibit, but the guilt-inducing, unproductive, sinful anger that I display towards my family - I can see for sure the relationship between the times I haven’t cared for myself well, and the angry outbursts.

Put in plain English, when I am spent, I lash out.

If I am sleep-deprived, lonely, sick, or overly busy, I am grumpy and easily angered.

So it seems obvious - we need to care for ourselves! While this is true, as mothers of little ones, of homeschoolers, as mothers with packed schedules or husbands who travel - it just may not be possible to live with self-care as the priority.

Nor is it ideal, I would suggest. Think of Jesus. I’m sure there were many times he worked when he “should have” slept, continued to teach when he was hungry, gave one more sermon when he needed quiet time, and such.

Yet there were times as well when he pulled back from the crowds, withdrew, prayed. 

One thing I learn from this is that I am not God. Obvious, but makes my withered soul comforted a bit. What a mighty, amazing, servant-hearted and everlastingly strong Jesus we serve. He is everything we are not. He was kind when he was fatigued; he gave when he was exhausted; he served when he needed a nap. And all of it without sin! Without one single angry outburst!

I am comforted by our Savior’s perfect life, and grateful that he promises this same strength to us. 

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)

jessica

Stay tuned as we'll be addressing anger and ways to conquer it together during our March Madness series this month.

You can also find more encouragement and joy in the journey of motherhood in our book, From Grouchy to Great, for a great price now!