Ephesians 4:26-27
"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
I write a post for Meditations of My Heart, originally to be shared today. As I reread it, I know what I'm espousing is true. There is nothing wrong with the intention and the meaning of the message.
But something is amiss. I feel uneasy.
I pray about it. I confide in a fellow blogging friend on the phone about my hesitancy to follow through with the post, even though I have passionate feelings about this topic. She listens empathetically and promises to pray for discernment from God to make the right decision regarding bringing these words to light.
I reread my post once again, recalling the conversation with my dear friend.
And again, I ask God for help.
It's then I hear, "You wrote this while angry. You've given the devil his foothold."
What, Lord? Paying homage to the enemy when all I do is denounce him and his horrid influence upon this world in my words?
Silence.
Convicting silence.
Forgive me, Father, for I have let the sin of anger enter my heart, control my words, and color my perception.
I take a deep breath. Let it out slowly. And I feel God's reassurance flow over, around, above, and through me.
In my imagination, I crawl up into HIs lap and lay my head on His chest. His heart beats with mine. I am comforted beyond description, beyond reason, and promised that what concerns me now, even in righteous anger, He has already addressed.
It's taken care of.
It is not my worry.
I need not be angry.
I need only to be faithful to the One who freely offers eternal life and forgiveness of sins.
And I need never to let the devil gain a foothold.
With God's help, I will.
~
Have you struggled with feelings of anger about particular situations? How have you handled those feelings?
Prayer: Father, there are so many unrighteous and horrendous deeds inspired by the enemy in this world. It is difficult for Your children to not become angry and want to "do something about it." Help us to remember that this entire world is ultimately in Your hands, and that we must trust in Your will and Your timing. When we tempted to become angry, let us pray instead for those who prompt that rage within us, and turn to You for solace, strength and wisdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Wise words, Martha Jane! Thanks and blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. Yes, a lesson learned!
DeleteLove and blessings!
This is so easy to do Martha Jane. My latest post garnered a snarky comment from a regular contributor who tends to be snarky anyway. But this was directed pointed at me not God. I read it last night and let it go. Good thing. My response this morning was much better than it would have been when i was tired. It would not have bode well. Good advice my friend.
ReplyDeleteI do know to whom you are referring, Bill, and yes, it's always best to step back, take a deep breath, and give something time to "rest" before reacting. Sometimes, we have to learn the hard way, but God is good.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, Thank you for sharing this post. It can be difficult to know what to do in the heat of the moment. Doing as you have done is a wise way to go about things. I've struggled myself, at times with anger/hurt over certain situations. Prayer is always a good thing, as is giving yourself time to cool down. Reacting in anger isn't a good place to react from (been there); however, stifling (holding in) anger isn't good either (leads to depression).
ReplyDeleteTalking with trusted Christian friends and prayer are healthy ways to process a rush a feelings, such as what you experienced. If we allow it, God will speak into the situation and give us the necessary direction.
Love and blessings!
Kim, you certainly know of what I speak, and I did so appreciate your ears and your prayers. It is especially wise to mull things over before we just speak out or speak up. Thankfully in this case, God reined me in. I hope He will do so every time I think I might dive off the deep end.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a strong and profound message therein Martha, thanks a ton for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Privy, and I'm so glad this post was meaningful for you.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dear Martha ... praising God for that discernment, that sense of knowing that something was amiss, that friend who walked you through ...
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for sharing this story with us. It's a familiar one for us all, isn't it ...
Linda, this is too familiar of a story for most of us. If I had a dollar for every time I spewed first and thought later, well, you know how that goes! :)
DeleteGod has been so gracious with me as I've grown in the Spirit. In this case, He let me know on no uncertain terms the mistake I'd made.
Love and blessings!
Glad you leaned into Holy Spirit, Martha. I know what you mean. Feeling angry then complaining can feel like we're "doing something" when in reality we're simply binding ourselves. Anger that leads to loving action is what He wants and requires! The world will know we are His by love. Wonderful post, my friend. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so glad I did, too, Jason! Little by little, I'm growing in Him every day. And you're so right about that anger that masquerades as accomplishing something good, and even righteous, but the best way to reach folks for the kingdom is with love.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks for putting yourself out there and being real about something I think we all struggle with on occasion. I do my best to bite my tongue and sit on my hands to keep from typing, but only my focus on Jesus can calm my heart and help me move forward. Wise words my friend!
ReplyDeleteOh, Deb, I so hear you! It was late, and I was tired when I wrote the initial post, but fueled by anger and a sense of injustice, my fingers flew on the keyboard. The next morning? Well, you have already witnessed the results. So thankful God allowed me to vent, but stayed my hand, and voice, from putting something out there that would not be of service to His kingdom.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thank you for sharing this - slowing down and praying before speaking/writing is so important - yet I for one barrel onward caught in my own ego. this is a great example for us to remember. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI will say, Jean, that this is a lesson I've learned over time; when I've rushed in the past, usually I see errors later, or I say things in such a way that they are misunderstood. I don't always catch my mistakes in both word and heart, but God certainly does. So grateful He stayed my hand!
DeleteLove and blessings!