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Date: December 27, 2020
Redirecting Anger
The Point: Take your anger to God and leave matters in His hands.
Get Into the Study
Use the following to introduce today’s session. The story below includes a link to a short video you can also share.
George Clooney shocked a reporter when he confessed to using an at-home hair-cutting vacuum, the Flowbee, to cut his own hair for the past 25 years. Many were skeptical as to whether Clooney actually uses the Flowbee or if the confession was part of a prank. Clooney later appeared on Jimmy Kimmel to provide a demonstration of the Flowbee. Since this revelation, the DIY haircutting tool has completely sold out.
Ask: When has a DIY haircut or hair treatment gone awry?
Even if Clooney successfully cuts his own hair at home, we know that some things are usually better left to the professionals.
In today’s session, we are looking at anger. We may experience anger over petty issues, or our anger may be justified. But retribution and vengeance are best left in God’s hands.
Bring your group’s attention to The Point: Take your anger to God and leave matters in His hands.
Get Into the Study [Additional Option from Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play this video clip of a child or children getting angry. Then ask Question #1.
Get Into the Study [Additional Option from Young Adult Leader Guide]
As an introduction to this session, help group members identify things a detour and redirecting our anger have in common. Display this detour sign and following the directives under Bonus Content in the Young Adult Leader Guide.
Study the Bible [Optional Activity from Senior Adult Leader Guide]
After reading Psalm 35:1-3 say, “Instead of responding in anger, David modeled a better approach: take the matter to God. David prayed and trusted God for deliverance.”
The hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” reminds us that God is aware of our weakness and will share His strength. Ask the person who you invited to sing or read the chorus of the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” to share the words of the hymn.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
Study the Bible [Optional Activity from Senior Adult Leader Guide]
Say, “it’s one thing to take our cares to God; it’s another thing to leave our cares with Him.” Ask the person who you invited to sing or read the chorus of the hymn “Leave It There” to share the words of the hymn.
If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,
And you have to get along with meager fare,
Just remember, in his Word, how he feeds the little bird –
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
Refrain:
Leave it there, leave it there,
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;
If you trust and never doubt, he will surely bring you out.
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.
If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,
And your soul is almost sinking in despair,
Jesus knows the pain you feel, he can save and he can heal —
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. [Refrain]
When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,
Don’t forget that God in heaven answers prayer;
He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through –
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. [Refrain]
When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,
And your body bends beneath the weight of care,
He will never leave you then, he’ll go with you to the end –
Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. [Refrain]
Live It Out
Use the following to conclude today’s session.
The family of Roald Dahl, the author of numerous classic children’s novels including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr. Fox, has posted a public apology for the late author’s anti-Semitism. In a 1983 interview with British magazine The New Statesman, Dahl reportedly said, “There is a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity, maybe it’s a kind of lack of generosity towards non-Jews. Even a stinker like Hitler didn’t just pick on them for no reason.”
Words have power, both for good (as seen in Dahl’s books), and for evil (as seen in his anti-Semitic comments). His family stated, “We hope that, just as he did at his best, at his absolute worst, Roald Dahl can help remind us of the lasting impact of words.”
Dahl’s words were unjustified and abhorrent. However, even in a situation of justified anger, harsh words can cause lasting damage. Instead of lashing out in anger, take your anger to God and leave matters in His hands.
Encourage group members to choose one of the Live It Out statements to pursue this week.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Live It Out [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a song that deals with taking our anger to God in healthy ways. Then lead the group in prayer.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When have you seen anger make a situation worse?
- What fictional villain has made you the maddest?
- When have you seen someone get mad in a way that really made you laugh?
Psalm 35:1-3
- When is it appropriate to ask God to “fight” against someone or a group?
- What have been some ways God has helped you deal with opposition?
- What makes you uneasy about the prayer in Psalm 35:1-3?
Psalm 35:13-16
- How do David’s reflections here compare to what you have heard of Jesus’ instruction in the New Testament?
- How might our desire for fairness work against treating others with love and grace?
- Why is compassion a necessary characteristic for followers of Christ?
Psalm 35:17-18
- Who do you know who’s modeled this biblical principle well?
- What does it look like to put our anger in God’s hands?
- Why is praise an important element of leaving things in God’s hands?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – A Boy’s First Hero
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
I am so thankful for this Sunday School helps because our church is not having
Sunday School at all right now. This helps me to keep up with the lessons each week
and gives me things to think on that God has for each lesson.