Yesterday, which was Sunday, I woke up angry.

Because of the heat, I experienced poor sleep over the past weeks, and I have restless leg syndrome. I toss and turn a lot because my legs are in agony.

Most nights when I can't sleep, I go to the office, sit in my recliner, and study or read scripture.

I used to be angry all the time, and it was the same type of anger that God healed me. Now, I am not an angry person. Scripture says, in Christ, the old has passed away, and the new has come (2 Cor 5:17 ESV).

I explained to my wife that I was feeling angry and needed some space to work through it, wanting to avoid sin and resentment, as Ephesians 4:26 says.

After 15 minutes, I noticed I was being a little snappy. I went to my wife and asked for prayer. We prayed and hugged, confessing and bringing it into the light, because James 5:16 ESV calls us to pray for one another so that we may be healed. The prayer brought me some comfort.

My in-laws were coming over for lunch, and my wife suggested she take them out for lunch so I could process what was happening. I said no; spending time with them is important.

As soon as they walked in the door, I asked my mother-in-law if I could have a hug. That's not something I normally do.

As soon as I embraced her, I wept hard for at least five minutes. I could feel the anger leave, and a godly peace swept over me, the peace that surpasses all understanding and guards the heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7 ESV).

Still thinking about it, I believe the devil was trying to trip me, to influence my past behaviours, because he prowls around looking for someone to devour (1 Pet 5:8 ESV).

This time I recognised the anger, and so I dealt with it. In the past, I would allow the anger to brew, and I'd start yelling and screaming, even though the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20 ESV).

Old habits, I would have allowed my feelings, like anger, to take hold of me. I knew God had healed the old man; nature; it was a lie from the Devil, and I am called to put off the old self that belongs to my former manner of life (Eph 4:22 ESV).

As Christians, it's important that we recognise the devil's plans, be vigilant, put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-18)