Choose Wisdom
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. -ECCLESIASTES 7:8-9 NIV
Do you run hot or cold? Are you quick to become angry or worked up? Does your temper get the best of you sometimes? For most of us, anger is an emotion that can rise to the surface quickly. It can happen when we're driving or when we're talking with a friend, family member, or significant other. It's important for us to realize that every moment especially the moments when we are tempted to give in to anger-is an opportunity to rely on Jesus to fill us with peace.
Take a second to relax. Look for a cozy and quiet place where you can clearly focus on internal reflection. Take a slow, deep breath. As you exhale, take hold of the thoughts tumbling around in your head. Prepare your heart for prayer.
Our emotions greatly influence our actions. In certain situations, especially in the heat of the moment, it can be difficult to control our emotions. And some emotions require greater effort to be controlled. Anger is such an emotion. The Bible tells us that only fools are quickly angered. If you let it, in the blink of an eye anger will overpower and control you.
God has called you to be patient and wise – not to act as a fool who is quickly angered. Even in the midst of anger, patience and wisdom can be achieved. Do not be discouraged by past setbacks. Even when you are caught in the heat of a moment, there is always a choice, and there is power in choosing. Your choice of how to react can and does affect your outcome. Choose patience for today and for every day to come. Choose the wisdom of the Lord and watch as that wisdom transforms your life.
PRAYER:
God, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise. I give thanks to You and praise Your name. God, I worship You, for You are good, Your love endures forever, and Your faithfulness continues through all generations. I praise You for all Your wonderful deeds. I know that in You and through Your strength I can do all things. Lord, there have been times when anger has consumed me. I know I have let wrath control me. Please, Lord, fill me with Your Spirit and let me burn with love and grace. Thank You for past deliverances. Thank You for reaching out and teaching me self-control. It felt so good in those moments to control my emotions. Give me the strength to continue choosing Your way-to choose patience instead of anger. Thank You for ministering to me in my moments of weakness. Help me remember that You are always listening to me. You desire to give me wisdom and dominance over anger. You want to give me patience and joy and peace. Jesus, overcome me. Please give me complete control over negative emotions. Help me to find control in the midst of chaos and to act with patience and wisdom beyond measure. Amen.
This is an excerpt from Pray: Daily Moments to Quiet Your Mind and Center Your Soul – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.
