Refrain from anger...that little phrase sounds like it should be easy to do. So when my four year old refuses to finish his extremely tasty pineapple smoothie and instead decides to pour it on the floor. And my two year old is screaming over the fact that he is not allowed to take out the DVD discs and use them as snow shoes. And due to my blood pressure and anxiety rising, a glass jar slips from my grip shattering all over the floor. "Refrain from anger" The Lord whispers so sweetly to me. Refrain from anger?? Really?? It's not that simple. I'm yelling inside my head.
Such a simple request that we complicate so easily in the midst of chaos. But it can be done. It can be simple. We can have victory! Don't wait for the battle to come to you before you gird up your armor. Be ready.
Five steps:
1. Befriend Faithfulness (Psalm 37:3)
2. Delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
3. Commit your way to Him (Psalm 37:5)
4. Be still before Him (Psalm 37:7)
5. Wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7)
And you will be able to refrain from anger.
"Father, equip me with Your Holy Spirit to continually resist the temptation to burst out in anger. My heart fails often in the midst of chaos. Empower me to run to You before the battle gets heated. Thank you for Your saving grace and mercy. Amen."
