Let It Go
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. -EPHESIANS 4:25-27 ESV
Letting go of anger can feel like admitting defeat. We have a desire to win and express the anger we feel. But God tells us that this is not the answer. We have a daily opportunity to do as Christ did and lay ourselves down for our enemies. We can choose every day to love like Christ loved and let go of our anger toward our oppressors. This is not easy, but it will lead to a life of peace and love.
Your goal for today's prayer is releasing anger. Take a moment to calm yourself. As you breathe in and out, focus on quieting your mind and relaxing your body. Turn your thoughts toward what God has prepared for you this moment.
Being human means you will experience emotions. Emotions are powerful, and some are harder to process through than others. For example, feeling wrath is not a sin, but choosing to hold on to it is sinful. God knows you are not perfect, and He does not expect perfection from you. Things won't always go as planned. Other people will say and do things that will aggravate and annoy you. Letting go of strong emotions is hard, and anger can pack a punch.
Remember, it is okay for you to feel anger, but don't let it control you. Today's Scripture passage says, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger," meaning we are to work our hardest to resolve issues with others every day. We are called to keep a short list of wrongdoings and not hold on to grudges. You have God's Spirit to show you the way and to assist you. Seize the opportunity today to remove all anger from your heart.
PRAYER:
God, I praise You, for You are omniscient and omnipotent. You have created the earth and all it encompasses. I worship You, for You cause the sun to set and the moon to rise. The galaxies and cosmos ebb and flow by Your power and permission. Your power is unmatched, and Your glory fills the heavens. I exalt You, Lord, for You have done all these things, and still, You think of me. Sometimes I try to hold on to my anger. Sometimes it feels good-it feels like righteous anger even when it's not. Lord, I admit that I struggle to let go of anger. Help me desire a clean heart. Lord, thank You that You did not hold Your wrath against me but instead called me to salvation through Jesus. Thank You that Your mercies are new every day. Thank You for being slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. You are the model of forgiveness and mercy, and I look to You to learn this practice. God, You are present and listening to me. I know I will struggle with anger throughout my life; being emotional is a part of my humanity. But, Lord, help me to navigate the murky and tumultuous waters that I often find myself in. Give me strength to release my anger, and please calm the seas that threaten me. Give me grace and love for all those around me. 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.
