Ask Me, “Why?”

Slammed doors, sighs and huffs, A quick retort, a sudden shout— I’m leaving the classroom, Barging past, lashing out. “What’s her problem?” My classmates cry, Shrugging their shoulders As I dash by. Confusion races, Panic thunders inside, All I want is someone To ask me, “Why?” I cry out in prayer, An earnest plea, And in the call, God answers me. I see a close friend, Waiting calmly. My anger subsides, His patience heals me. • Cindy Lee • Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Jesus—who is fully God and fully human—came to earth, living in our broken world and experiencing personally what human suffering feels like. He died on the cross and rose from the grave so that all those who put their trust in Him could be free from sin and death. In light of these truths, in Christ, is there any emotion we can’t bring before God? • Do you ever feel like the narrator in the poem? Write down your last experience of anger. What caused it, and how did you react? • In the future, what strategies could you use to calm down and work through your anger? Who are trusted people in your life—such as counselors, teachers, parents, or pastors—who can help you? • Do you know someone who is angry? Taking time to listen and being calm can help someone who is struggling. If you know someone struggling with anger, who are trusted people in your life—such as counselors, teachers, parents, or pastors—who can help you figure out the best way to help in your situation? • If you struggle with anger or know someone who does and you need someone to talk to about it, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife. Proverbs 15:18 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 15:18; 29:11; Hebrews 4:14-16; James 1:19