Fools show their annoyance at once. Prov. 12:16 (NIV)
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools. Eccl. 7:9 (ESV)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23 (NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus, I want to own the annoyed, irritated attitude roaming about freely in my heart. In the last few days, it hasn’t taken much to “bug” me and put me in a bad frame—like someone taking two parking places for their new car when I’m running late for a lunch appointment; or the colorful spinning disk on my computer screen saying “I’m not ready to open your file just yet.” Wait, there’s more…
Dropped calls and unexpected visitors; eggshells in my omelet and road construction on my route; junk mail in my mailbox and robotic phone calls to my “do not call” registered number; delayed flights and deflated bike tires; people who talk with food in their mouths or laugh too loud; forgotten passwords and names. Forgive me Jesus. It’s not like any of these are world crises.
I don’t want to be the fool who shows his annoyance at once, or the quick-spirited “inn-keeper” who makes his own anger a welcomed guest. Settle me and center me, Lord, by the grace, truth, and power of the gospel. I will make no effort to justify my snarly, edgy attitude.
Instead of indulging my self-centeredness, I surrender to the work of your Spirit. I repent of not repenting sooner, Jesus. Thank you for your patience, kindness and forgiveness. You are my righteousness, peace, and joy. Though I’m no longer condemned for my sins, I want to be convicted about them much sooner and deeper. Humble me, gentle me, and free me, Jesus. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and loving name.
