[Discoveries] 08-27-08 God has a better idea -- Ephesians 4:26

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*In your anger, do not sin ... -- Ephesians 4:26*/

(I originally wrote this devotional four years ago. As I look back, I 
can see that while I still get angry, it's not as often and not as 
easily. Why is that? Is it because I've implemented some great 
self-control program? Not at all. This is purely the work of God, 
filling up the damaged places in my soul.)

I blew it today. I was crabby and grouchy most of the day. I sent a 
couple of emails that reflected my hostile mood, and now I'm back 
peddling and doing damage control and feeling like a fool.

Three times today I brought my anger to the Lord. The third time, I 
asked my wife to pray with me. I wanted to figure out why I was angry so 
the Lord could deal with the real reasons instead of every little 
irritation that triggered me all day long.

The Lord did meet with me. He comforted the hurt little boy. He forgave 
the sinful way I mismanaged my anger. He took my anger. He gave me a 
couple of constructive ideas to deal with some of the present day issues 
that were bothering me. (My wife also chimed in with a good idea.) And 
He left me with peace.

No matter what the Lord asks of us, He is there to deliver it for us. 
Without the Lord's intervention, I would remain angry until I found some 
way to stuff it and pretend that I wasn't. But God, of course, has a 
better idea.

Be encouraged!
Dwight

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