Solomon tells us that “a happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP ). God undoubtedly has a sense of humor; we need only look at some of the animals He created (it’s hard not to smile at the sight of a hippo, a monkey, or a puppy). Or think of some of the married couples you know: don’t you think God was smiling at the wedding as He looked ahead to the interaction of the wildly different personalities that will be living together?Posts Tagged ‘anger’
getting some perspective on annoying people
I was writing in my journal yesterday about my frustration — my anger, really — with a coworker, using ink on paper as a way to vent and perhaps to find some perspective. I wrote,
“I feel like he is often — always? — judging me. And he is arrogant — and insecure, and well-intentioned. But he doesn’t extend grace to others. Should I expect an atheist to be grace-full? I suppose not.”
love covers many sins
In this meditation from By Faith Alone, Martin Luther considers 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
Here, Peter builds upon a passage from the book of Proverbs: “Hate starts quarrels, but love covers every wrong†(Proverbs 10:12). And this is what Peter means: If you don’t restrain your sinful nature and desires, you will easily become angry with others. You will be unable to forgive others easily. So make sure you curb your evil desires. Then you will be able to love and forgive others, for love covers sin.
saving with your own hand?
One of the lessons of David and Nabal is that if we wait, God will bring justice. When Abigail intercedes with David, she says, “the LORD has restrained you from saving with your own hand.”
How often do we — do I — seek to save with my own hand? In an argument, do I defend myself, or trust for the Holy Spirit to bring perspective to the other person? When I’ve been wronged, do I, like David, “strap on my sword” (1 Sam 25:13), or do I wait on God?
I’ve had varying success with this since I learned the principle of waiting on God, but lately I’ve found it more of a challenge, so this seems like a good time for a refresher. Here are some verses to consider…
some thoughts on the power of speech (and of good cross-references)
Reading Adrian Warnock’s blog yesterday, I saw that he strongly endorses the English Standard Version (ESV), and he offers some sound reasons for making it the text from which he studies and preaches. I’ve had the ESV on my handheld for several years, but I have looked at it only occasionally; I primarily read the […]
help with anger
This article is targeted toward mothers, but the tips and perspective it offers work equally well for fathers:
- Be accountable to someone
- Evaluate your parenting goals
- Evaluate your expectations of your child
- Evaluate your expectations of yourself
- Raise your level of resistance
I especially appreciate the author’s focus on prayer and Scripture:
As I continued reaching out to God, he showed me the seriousness of my sin. After confessing it, I began devouring the Scriptures. I clung to God’s promise in Philippians 1:6 that he always works to perfect us. God’s unconditional, gracious love held me up and moved me forward.
I frequently prayed through Psalm 139:23, 24, asking God to show me any “offensive way” in my life. I clung to the promise in Psalm 46:1 that God is ever-present in trouble. I claimed the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13 that no temptation is too big for me to be victorious over. I saturated my mind with God’s Word. As I read and prayed, God showed me things about myself that needed to change. And he led me to new solutions and steps to take with my child.
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to this feed