What’s Pushing Your Button?

“In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” - Ephesians 4:26-27
 
 
In 1994, Chris Burns of the associated press wrote an article about the lethal leftovers of war. He talked about the hundreds of explosives from WWII that were still scattered across Europe at construction sites, in fishing nets, and on beaches. Even after the war was over, the bombs were often triggered, killing and wounding people unexpectedly.  
 
What is true of lingering bombs is also true of lingering anger. Buried anger will explode when we least expect it. When we get angry, we go off the deep end. Oftentimes it has less to do with what we are currently facing and more to do with how the present moment just triggered something in our past. If we want to learn how to keep our cool, we must identify what is pushing our buttons.
 
Does this sound familiar? Have you ever snapped at someone, only to realize it is not them who you are frustrated with? Maybe it is yourself? Maybe it is someone who hurt you days, months, or even years ago? Whatever the case may be, take it before God and allow him to help you deal with the pain. Do not delay. Instead, take the advice we can find in Ephesians 4:26-27 which commands us, “In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
 
Do not let the sun go down without bring your frustrations to God. He will prevent you from giving the devil that foothold and allowing your buttons to get pushed!