I’m as mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore.
The Movie NETWORK hit the theaters in 1976 making a major impact. The character portrayed in this film was disillusioned and frustrated with work, the economy, and the culture. The film reaches its apex with the character in the news studio on national news instructing everyone across America to join him in his angry rant because they too were in the middle of a bad situation and needed to do something about it. Watch the clip. https://youtu.be/sdQCPlAZjbY
There are times in all of our lives when we experience feelings of discouragement, disappointment, fear and just fed up to the point we feel or even say I’m fed up enough is enough and I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore and I’m gonna handle this my way.
We all have learned from David Gladstone that emotional intelligence is critical to a sustained life of peace.
We have learned to not make decisions or do anything when our emotions are out of whack.
However, when we find ourselves in these situations What should we do.
I believe Paul the Apostle gave us the best answer.
I THESSALONIANS 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
At first glance, this may appear to be counter-intuitive and I am sure you are thinking Bro seriously. Like you want me to give thanks for the situation that has me out of whack and on the edge of a cliff.
No, I am not. Paul admonishes us in not for but in everything give thanks.
That is a huge difference because it allows you to be human to acknowledge how you feel but also give you a time out.
Why did Paul admonish us to do that?
I am glad you asked. So, let us take a deeper dive into truth and get set free. I will give you 4 answers.
- PSALM 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
- JAMES 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you
- PSALM 16:11
In your presence is fullness of joy.
- NEHEMIAH 8:10
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Thanksgiving is a precursor to praise but it is also the first step into the manifestation of the presence of God by his Spirit. Paul is instructing us to take steps towards God through thanksgiving. When we do, God shows up with his presence. As we draw near to God, James further explains that God will draw near to us. It is his automatic response out of the love and empathy that he has for us. Wait it gets better. The psalmist gives indication of what, out of many wonderful things, we can experience in God’s presence. The fullness of Joy. Why is that significant? It is the Joy of the Lord that gives us the strength to stand and move forward.
So the next time you are IN a situation, take a pause, look in your heart towards heaven and give thanks and welcome the presence of God to come upon you and before you know it you will not only have his joy and his peace that passes all understanding but you will have the answer of the best and not so destructive course of action.