Watch the caution signs on the “freeway of life.”
James 1:19-20 – Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
In some states, their Departments of Transportation create witty safe-driving messages on overhead signs along their freeways. “Drive like the person your dog thinks you are.” Or “Drinking and Driving? Our police have other bars for you.” Or a recent one for people in Arizona, “That’s the temperature—not the speed limit.” It was a record-setting 115 degrees that day. The gist of all of them is to caution drivers on proper highway etiquette.
As you traverse the “freeway of life,” God has other caution signs for you. On days when watching the electioneering on television angers you to the point that you want to throw something at the screen, remember the Lord’s admonition. Slow down. Take time to really listen, but don’t grow angry.
Keeping your anger in check can be challenging. Be sure to think before you speak, give yourself a timeout. Get away from the television and try a brisk walk. Use humor, but not sarcasm, to help relieve tension. Take a deep breath. Forgive the person who has angered you. And if you truly need to, seek professional help, for anger can truly, physically “eat you alive.” Above all, ask God for His help. He will surely give it.
Pray With Us
God of Mercy, I confess to getting angry way too often. It isn’t an anger that would cause me to act in a horrible way; but when I am in the midst of it, I can feel it inside and out. This does not bring honor to You, and I ask that You forgive me and work with me on ways to calm myself. You are so gracious and merciful, way beyond anything I deserve. Thank You for Your abundant love. I bless Your Mighty Name,
Amen.
