Today my spiritual food is going to be about anger and irritation. I have certainly been tested in this category lately. It seems as though everything lately has been a true test of my patience. Sometimes it’s so easy to get angry or irritated with people and situations. God tells us that we should be slow to anger though.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8).
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).
So how can we do that? There are many techniques for managing the anger process. You can view some of helpful techniques here: http://www.1st-anger-management.com/
It’s hard to mentally tell ourselves to “keep your cool”, especially when stressful situations occur, however, it’s a virtue when we choose patience over anger. Everybody experiences anger, even God gets angry (Psalms 7:11). Everybody deals with anger differently. Dealing with anger in a calm way is the ultimate goal we should work towards.
When I start to feel angry I start counting to 10 followed with a few deep breaths. This serves 2 purposes. 1) It challenges me to focus on something besides that anger building up and 2) it starts to ease the stress my muscles and mind are building up. Then finally, I just surrender to God and let Him walk me through it. It’s amazing how these 3 steps have helped me. I still get angry, no doubt, but the way I chose to deal with it is totally different than my old habits. I feel like a better person. Now it seems so natural to not let little things get to me, it also feels great not to stress the small stuff. It’s even more wonderful to know that when my anger does build up that God is there to work through it and believe me, He does just that!
PRAYER:
Lord, I need help in this area. I know that I have offended you more times than any person has offended me and you have forgiven me for each offense. I need to extend that same grace to those around me who have offended me. Give me the heart that will stand the offenses and look on with love rather than discord. Give me the wisdom to return offenses with kind words or actions. Help me to forgive immediately even if changes are to come. Show me the offenses I’ve done to others and help me as I seek to right my wrongs. I am only human Lord, but with your help I can achieve peace. Amen.
It’s so easy to be angry and put a negative spin on life when you’ve been dealt what seems like a losing hand. If you’re at this point, I pray that you find your way. I hope that you realize that you’ve got another hand…a WINNING hand…you just can’t play it until the round is up…so be patient because your turn is coming.
I’ve grown in the biggest way by just praying and by finally coming to an understanding. I am at peace because I trust in God and in His plan enough to say, “Okay Father, it’s in your hands, you’re my deliverer and your truth will set us free- I trust in you because ultimately you know best.” Max Lucado illustrated it well when he told a story about his daughter. His 6 year old daughter was telling her dad, Max Lucado, that she wanted him to quit his job as a preacher and become an ice cream man. She gave a compelling argument citing that “they seem so happy, giving out candy and ice-cream while listening to jolly music all day long!” But the fact is that Max was wiser and knew that his plan of being a preacher was better…and that’s how we need to look at it when we look at our life. God knows better…His plan will be better!
I use to worry a lot. I have great fears and with worries come a lot of voiced concern.This drove my husband crazy because he just couldn’t understand the anxiety I felt inside- the unpredictable or the possibility of something going wrong- literally weighed on my chest. Through time I’ve learned that worrying day in and day out will not prevent certain things from happening. I’ve learned to live in the moment- and that’s been a difficult transition for me – because it wasn’t my natural tendency. I know ultimately my true treasures are in Heaven and all the pain, suffering, disappointment and anguish we feel on earth will last only a little while in comparison to the love, laughter and perfection we’ll feel in Heaven – for eternity!
Find your peace and share it with others. Remember to love one another and make each day new!
Sometimes life can fall into a routine but we’ve got to remember to appreciate it. I’ve certainly had my share of ups and downs and it’s been a long journey. I’ve been learning (for a while, I might add) the importance of living for today. From the time I wake up to the time I lay down – it’s a blessing and a chance to do something great!
Remember, not everyday will be perfect. If you wake up with the notion that you’re going to live – you’re going to love- you have some pretty good ingredients for a fantastic day. Even the best recipes can turn out bad. You’ve just got to keep trying until you cook it just right! This actually reminds me of a very touching poem named “The Dash Poem”. If you’ve not heard it before, I promise you it’s worth the read. Shoot, even if you’ve heard it before…it’s worth the read again! I hope you enjoy!
The Dash PoemBy Linda EllisI read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning…to the end.He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth…
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.So think about this long and hard…
are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
(You could be at “dash mid-range.”)If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile…
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.So, when your eulogy’s being read
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?
It’s human nature to deny our need to reach out to others. It’s hard for us to admit that we can’t or shouldn’t do things alone. Who wants to admit that they need guidance or that they need a shoulder to lean on? Not many…
This has been a problem since the beginning of man. Even God looked upon Adam and knew it was not good for man to be alone. (Genesis 1) Take a look at Jesus and His ministry; even He didn’t do it alone. (Matthew 
We were not built to go through life to rely on ourselves alone. There’s a great saying, “a man who goes through life alone, dies alone – but a man who goes through life with friends, lives on forever.”
It isn’t easy letting the pride go and allowing people in, but it’s pivotal to every man’s success. I look back on my life and I can pinpoint great things that I could have done, if only I had reached out to others for help. I’ve missed quite a few opportunities because of my silly pride; opportunities that I may never have again. That’s the sad reality of it all.
Do you struggle with this? Can you pinpoint something you could have done, if only you had someone’s help? Is there something you could have done better with a friend near?
I’m in the beginning stages of “letting go and reaching out”. Some of you may not be to that point and others of you already reach out openly and I truly envy you!
Until next time, love everyone you see – show it with a jolly hello, a hug, or even a smile! Work on reaching out to others and if you know someone who has trouble reaching out – reach out to them, let them know you’re there.
PRAYER:
Lord, I have struggled with showing my feelings to others. Pride has been a barrier in my life for many years and I believe that only You have given me the ability to truly open up and I thank you. Lord, if there are areas in my life that I need to be more open about or lift up to you in prayer, I ask that you reveal those areas to me. I will always need your guidance and understanding. If there are others in my path who share in that need Lord, I ask that you open my eyes to them. Thank you for your growing grace. Amen.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
It can be pretty convicting when you read the word of God and realize you’re not living up to your potential. I know and understand that God doesn’t ask us to do anything that we aren’t capable of accomplishing. We are suppose to find strength and comfort in our Lord. Christians are suppose to be “set-apart” but far too often we let the world cloud our view of heavenly riches – even heavenly goals. God gives divine promises of a “new” life and asks very little of us.
There are areas in my life where I need to apply the traits of a “Virtuous Woman”. I know it isn’t easy because I already try very hard. Time and time again I fail. I do find peace knowing that God sees the depth of my heart and He knows the things I struggle with because He dwells inside of me.
I’m going to keep praying and looking up for strength because without that strength I may never accomplish anything! I challenge you to do the same!
PRAYER:
Lord, I realize that I have walls built up in areas in my life and I come to you to ask that you tear down those walls so that I can move forward in life with a clear and open heart. There have been things that I have done, Father, that I am even ashamed to mention but I come before you now to ask your forgiveness. Give me wisdom to know when to hold my tongue and when to speak up, Lord. Help me in my journey as I prepare to also help other women who deal with the same struggles. May we openly (without judgment) seek your ways Lord and implement them into our lives fully. Thank you for your blessings Lord. Amen.
