The day is not going as planned. I blew up at my kids. I almost ran into someone in the parking lot. My temper is trying to bust loose.
Lord, I need your help!
Here are some passages I find especially helpful on those days when I want to lose it, but I know I shouldn’t.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul doesn’t say, choose wisely what you are anxious about. He says to not be anxious at all! But what I love most is he then gives instructions on how to do that. Pray with thanksgiving. You cannot be anxious or frustrated when your heart is set on what you are thankful for.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, “pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Ok, here it is again. Pray & give thanks. When you feel the frustration welling up, just start talking to Jesus. Tell him all about it. Don’t call your friend. Don’t post it on Facebook! Tell Jesus! No one else needs to hear all that. I promise. Thank Jesus for everything and anything. In the midst of whatever you are going through, I guarantee there is something to be thankful for.
Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
I love this reminder that God knows, he cares and he wants our burdens because he knows we can’t handle them. If I’m frustrated about something, no matter the size of the problem it is because I am not bringing it to Jesus.
Ephesians 4:2-6, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Paul is reminding us of our duty to one another as Christians. Often we let our flesh do the walking rather than the Spirit and it breaks the unity of Believers. Are you frustrated with a brother or sister in Christ? Humble yourself, love them deeply, pray for them fervently and ask the Lord to help you resolve the matter.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Whatever it is, it will not destroy you. Don’t let your emotions rule the day. Stick to what is true. If you are a Christian, you belong to God and he has promised you that you are safe with him. It may not feel like it. You may be weary from the trials, but our life here is just a tiny blip in time compared to the eternity we get to spend with him. So, get back up. Brush the dust off. Open your Bible and feast on the Truth of his word, written for you.
Dana Bailey 