Can anger be good?

We use the word anger a LOT in our ministry.  So many people that come to our ministry are dealing with some sort of anger.  Stuffed hurts build up over the years and come popping up at the most inopportune times.  We often use the analogy that holding onto anger is like trying to hold a beach ball under the water.  It’s impossible.  It will eventually pop up and then you have to exert energy to push it down again.  Some people are trying to hold multiple balls under the water.   The answer in dealing with hurt and anger is ALWAYS forgiveness.  I’ve seen it bring peace and healing in my own life and in the lives of countless others.  Rarely do we talk about the good in anger.  Last week I began to see more of my flesh (ways I cope apart from God) and I became agitated.  I was angry at another person but mostly angry at myself.  I heard the Holy Spirit speak truth into my mind.  “Rebekah, anger can be good.  It will help you to make a different choice next time.”  Now I don’t want to STAY in anger but can I allow God to use anger for my good?  Yes, I need to forgive myself and forgive others in order to “move on” and to BE who God says I am but God definitely uses pain to open our eyes and help us to change.  But allow me to caution you.  DON’T let the enemy use your failures as fuel to cause you to beat up on yourself.  See it, own it, deal with it and continue on your journey in life changed from you experience.  Ephesians 4:26 – Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.