In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted on Sumbawa, an island of modern-day Indonesia. Historians regard it as the volcano eruption with the deadliest known direct impact: roughly 100,000 people died in the immediate aftermath. Despite the devastating loss of life, far more people died over the years that followed due to secondary effects that spread worldwide.

Scientists theorize that volcanoes near the equator can affect global weather changes if their eruptions are powerful enough to release gases into the stratosphere. This enormous amount of gasses get trapped in the atmosphere, leading to a type of “covering,” limiting the sun’s rays from coming in. Despite this being a temporary change to the atmosphere, the results are long lasting.

Cooling temperatures lead to decreased rainfall, failed crops, and eventually mass starvation in parts of the world. Joseph Manning, a professor of classics and history at Yale University, says that “In today’s world, the after-effects of volcanoes are much more dangerous than the direct impact.”

This natural event reminds me of how anger can produce devastating effects long after the initial eruption. It first builds up from within and eventually released out into the world with destructive results. What’s more, this anger can impact many more beyond those initially affected by us.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Psalm 37:8-9.

Pray:

What is the result of unchecked anger in your life? What is at the root of your anger? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and ask God to help you understand the root of your anger. Then ask Him for healing and strength to eradicate it from your life.

Share / Show:

Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.