FOOL: Tales from a Temper Tantrum

"Control your temper,
      for anger labels you a fool."   Ecclesiastes 7:9



The definition of a fool includes one who acts unwisely on a given occasion.  We all act foolish at one time or another, but when it comes to expressions of our emotions, we must remember to be careful or deal with the consequences of losing control.

Today I found myself a bit vexed. Oh, I'll admit it....I was angry. People and circumstances were getting on my nerves and I just had to let it out...and foolishly I did. *sigh* I felt like a tea kettle that had reached the boiling point and is now whistling full steam. For someone who has taught anger management, I sure didn't practice what I preach. Ok, so I am not going around hitting people or cursing anyone out.  However, the darts of my words (or facial expressions) have too often hit their target.

"Careless words stab like a sword..." Proverbs 12:18a   

Remember David and his angry psalms? Although he was pretty much "cursing" his enemies (e.g. "May all his offspring die. May his family name be blotted out in a single generation" Psalm 109:13), he always ended his rant with a prayer. Actually, he initially brought his frustrations to the LORD. What I was angry about is not so important as to my response in my anger. Familiar patterns distract me with reactive responses instead of me thinking before I speak or act.  Unfortunately, this reveals my heart. I struggle with this often. Also, I am beginning to notice that I am angry a lot of the time recently. Underneath the anger is usually hurt, pain, and frustration that I probably do not want to deal with.  Hmm...I guess it's time for an appointment with the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace, huh?

Please keep this fool in your prayers...



Heavenly Father, please forgive my foolish ways. May I find better ways to speak the truth of my hurt, pain, and anger all the while remembering to bring it to You in the first place.  May I remember the amazing grace that has been extended to me in order to speak words of healing instead of destruction. May my heart have compassion on those around me as I seek to see others and situations through the lens of Christ.   In Jesus' Name...Amen  \o/

The Strength of Weakness

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;"  

2 Corinthians 4: 7-9 (NASB)

This past week, I found myself feeling so weak in my walk. This is a recurring issue whenever I get overwhelmed with the cares of this life - and believe me, there are many. As I sit alone in the dark, I hear the voice of the adversary....it's louder than before and taunts me with my deepest fears.  I struggle to believe that which my Lord has told me. This grip is strong and I feel so powerless against it.  Nevertheless, I fight for my life. I did not receive God's grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1).  

As I remember who and whose I am, I feel strengthened with hope. Grace for this moment has been extended and I freely accept it with resurrected joy!  Thanks be to my Adonai for His gift of love and grace that reconciles my weakness for His strength. 

Father God, thank You that "though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."  (2 Corinthians 4:16) Lord, may we continue to keep our eyes fixed on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Mercies in Disguise

^"This I call to mind; therefore I have hope: It is through the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness."The LORD is my portion," saith my soul, "Therefore will I hope in Him."   

Lamentations 3:21-24

Earlier today, I was listening to a song called "Blessings" by Laura Story and it reminded me of how deep God's love is for us.  It talked about how God uses the trials and tribulations in our lives to build us and take us closer to Him. The song also asks, "What if your blessing comes through raindrops? What if your healing comes through tears?" and I thought, hmm....nothing is wasted with the Lord. We all know that rain is necessary for a flower to bloom.  Maybe that's what God has in mind. 

Today, Lord, as our hearts cry out to You about our storms and situations we have wrestled with impatience to get through, may You help us to keep our focus on You and Your Word. Thank You for giving us grace and mercy in our time of needs.  Bless us with patient endurance as we learn to see the world through the lens of Christ and not our own.  In Christ's Name....Amen \o/