Our brains and bodies don’t deal well with unbridled anger. Headaches, depression, insomnia, digestive problems, anxiety, and heart attacks are a few health problems that accompany unmanaged anger.

In and of itself, anger is not bad. Like fire, anger can destroy lives, but it can also be used for good. Too often, our anger gets the best of us, allowing the devil to sneak into our lives through the back door like an unwelcome guest.

Thankfully, anger doesn’t have to consume us, because God has given us ways to manage anger effectively.

The next time anger boils, physically remove yourself from the situation, if possible, and pray. Take a deep breath and pour your heart out to your Creator. Plead with God to help you deal with your emotions.

Find a Bible promise to claim (Romans 12:17-21 is a good start). Read it aloud and pray the verse back to God. Hold nothing back in prayer.

If you need to cry, let the tears flow. God wants you to be transparent. He already knows your heart.

Write down the reason for your anger and list healthy ways you can deal with the situation. While processing your anger, continue to connect with God.

Finally, don’t wallow in your anger so you can heal and that unwanted guest can leave.