The other day, my new fangled wireless keyboard was giving me fits. Being technologically challenged, I tried everything I knew to do; pray, beg, cry, stare at it without blinking, but I just could NOT get the silly thing to work.
Finally, in a fit of exasperation, I picked up the keyboard and SLAMMED it down on my desktop as hard as I could! (I may also have emitted some kind of unspecific sound; like a primal scream, or a deep throaty growl)
My uncooperative wireless keyboard immediately began to function normally and hasn’t given me one bit of trouble since! I think techno geeks refer to this particular approach as the “Big Stick Technique.” (this is not a recommended method of fixing a keyboard–ever)
Obviously, I have issues with unresolved anger. To resolve these issues, I’ve been reading I Corinthians 13 every day for the last several months. Every day, I read the defining verses, first as written; then, I substitute the pronoun “I’m” for the “word” Love, and read it slowly, thoughtfully. (I’m patient, I’m kind, I”m not easily angered–)
The Word of God is sharper than a two edged sword, cutting apart the flesh from the bone (Heb. 4:12). If I discipline myself to read the verse as a ‘heeeeeeeelpppp meeeeee’ tool, eventually, I will conquer this attitude flaw. Progress is slow, but, at least I’ve stopped snarling at inanimate objects that annoy me. Baby steps—baby steps—; the fruit of the Spirit is–self control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
I Corinthians 13: 4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Prayer: Lord God, my Father in heaven, I have anger issues. Your Word has given me instructions on how to handle all of life’s issues. Help me to apply wisdom from your Word to conquer my short comings. Help me to respond to the voice of your Spirit, and not react to my flesh. thank you. Amen.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Galatians 522-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.