God, Interrupt Me

Many strong emotions can change the course of our day, unbalance us, or ruin a perfectly good mood. One emotion that we all deal with at some point is anger. More often than not underneath the anger is hurt and disappointment and the easier emotion to express is anger.  

There are many warnings about anger in the Bible and for us not to become overtaken by it.

In your anger do not sin.  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

It is so easy to let anger take hold but just staying mad doesn’t feel good and never has a positive outcome.  Even when our anger seems justified why do we let it spiral and take hold of us to the point that we then also sin?      

Ephesians 4:27 goes on to say, “and do not give the devil a foothold”.   

In other words, don’t give the devil a place to get in, to seep in through a crack, and to get a secure hold within our hearts. 

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.''  

This verse is so simple.  Don’t say things that are bad, only build others up, give people grace, and there will be benefits that come from it!   

We have to ask God to interrupt us so that we can stop, be silent, and regroup before really letting our minds spiral.  Sometimes he interrupts us by sending a friend who pauses to pray with us and speak words of encouragement. Sometimes God sends us reminders that in the grander scheme of things the current issue we are upset about is small.  Nothing should occupy our mind to the extent that it stops us from forward motion.  

This concept can be applied to marriage, which is wonderful and beautiful, yet difficult. It can be so easy to be angry at a spouse. When I allow God to interrupt me, pause, and reflect,  I find that the little day to day things that can be minor annoyances in my own marriage are nothing compared to the absolutely amazing husband I have and the father he is to our girls. He is an awesome friend who would pause and do anything for anyone in need.  He is the guy who stops at a neighbors house just to chat. He would bring wood for their fire to make sure they are fully stocked on a cold day. He is the person who loses all track of time not because he doesn’t care about where he needs to be next, but because he is all in with that person in front of him in that moment.  Allowing God to keep my perspective focused on positives keeps my anger in check, drowns out the less significant, and keeps me moving forward.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Please interrupt me during any disappointment or hurt that can quickly turn to anger. Help me to simply remember the word grace that is so freely given and to continuously pay it forward.  Thank you for the peace you can give in these moments. 

In Jesus name,

Amen

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Author- Heather Lynch