Psalm 4-5

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.” (Psalm 4:4, NLT)

David was no stranger to affliction. Whether running from Saul, dealing with his loose cannon General Joab, or suffering the revolt of his son Absalom and trusted friend Ahithophel, David had many situations to provoke him to anger. Since he was human, I imagine he popped off angry words that he later regretted. I know I have done that.

Anger can be a useful motivator, but it can also lead to crimes of passion. The apostle Paul quoted the above verse as he warned the Ephesians:

“Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, NKJV)

You see anger, if not properly dealt with, can give the devil a foothold, ruin relationships, and even cause health problems. Anger is time related. If you can extend the time between the provocation and your response you can avoid saying or doing something you can never undo.

I have found that if I can cast my anger on the Lord and sleep on it, I will deal with it better in the morning. Some would say this is letting the sun go down on your wrath. But I interpret Paul’s words to mean don’t carry your anger from day to day so that it morphs into resentment or bitterness.

By sleeping on his anger, rather than stewing on it, David had a better night's sleep.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.” (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

David could do this because he ultimately trusted the LORD to work it out. Maybe he would address it the next morning, but he would have more wisdom, grace and peace to handle it effectively. Or maybe he would simply overlook it. Either way he slept well and had no regrets. And that is so much better than losing your temper and saying something you later regret.