Scripture for Today: Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
There is never a good time to blow a fuse. But of course it happened while in the kitchen making a meal for company. Our wiring is a bit quirky and I had forgotten that I could not plug in the water heater with the microwave on. I am sure I looked just as lost as this woman pictured as my husband was gone. Finding the right switch was not a problem. However, it did not flip over completely as intended, and I continued to be without power. I felt myself growing frustrated and angry.
Today’s verse cautions us not to be quickly provoked. Whatever the provocation, we are to be slow in becoming angry (James 1:19). When we are characterized as an angry person, we look the fool. Blowing a fuse and exploding in anger misrepresents the Lord to others as He is “slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15) Whether justified or not, human anger is not something that produces the righteousness God wants from us (James 1:20). Our anger is rarely a neutral thing and most often hurts others and in the end ourselves as well.
My anger can build to mega proportions when left unresolved. My jaw clenches and sleep alludes me. Diffusing that anger is not something I can do quickly on my own. The sooner I can give it to the Lord, the more easily I can get rid of it. When I realize the wrath my sins deserve and the enormity of God’s forgiveness for me, than I can replace that anger with kindness, compassion and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32).
Lord, I need Your help today to slow down my anger.
Look familiar? This is a repost due to summer ministry.
Devotions By Jan 