It’s funny how I can read a verse, chapter, or book of the Bible, and discover things that I never noticed before. Recently, Ecclesiastes 7:9 jumped out at me:
Do not be eager in your heart to be angry,
For anger resides in the bosom of fools.
That first line, in particular, really got to me. Do not be eager in your heart to be angry. In other words, Don’t go lookin’ for a fight.
It usually takes a lot of provocation to get me angry. It’s not that I’m exceedingly patient and kind so much as that I just don’t get worked up over too many things. But, like everyone else, I have my hot button issues, situations, and people.
Maybe it’s that certain someone who always seems to say something that irritates me. Rather than starting each conversation with renewed grace and a willingness to give the benefit of the doubt, I go into every encounter just waiting for them to say something that will bug me.
Maybe it’s being in the car. While not subject to Road Rage, I am guilty of significant Road Annoyance, ready to mentally pounce on anyone with less-than-admirable driving habits.
Or maybe I just didn’t sleep well last night, and I start my day with that don’t-mess-with-me look, daring family members to push me over the edge. You know, a Go Ahead, Make My Day kind of scenario.
Lookin’ for a fight.
Yeah, it’s not so pretty when I let the Bible act as a mirror to my heart. Even though I wouldn’t think of myself as having an “anger problem,” I have plenty of work to do.
A few ways to avoid being “eager in my heart to be angry”?
- Pray for others. It’s much harder to get angry with people when I’ve been praying for them. That means praying for the people I already know, but it could also mean praying for the people driving down the road in front of me.
- Keep reading from that mirror otherwise known as the Bible. It will remind me of adjustments needed and point me in the right direction.
- Practice gratitude. When I’m focused on all the blessings I’ve been given, those fights I might go looking for will fade to insignificance.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Ouch! You’re not the only one who finds that she’s just been spoken to
Sounds like this one was written especially for me. (I particularly liked the term “road annoyance.” It fits me to a tee.)
Being married to someone who doesn’t like to fight has helped me
I grew up just “getting it all out,” whereas my husband did not, so he often tells me when I’m “itching for a fight,” and lets me know that he’d rather not.
Great reminder Katrina. I confess that just about every morning is one of those “don’t mess with me” moments-or just “don’t talk to me.” It’s something God is still working on with me. It’s silly especially with a toddler in the house. I mean, how in the world can I expect quiet time unless I am getting up earlier than he is?
Good words this morning, Katrina.
Certain people lately have given me much cause for anger, and believe me I would just love to have it out with them already! I do find that praying for them as well as my attitude toward them helps greatly. Dwelling upon them and my anger is the biggest hindrance in my walk with God, and even though it’s hard, what good does it truly accomplish?
Oh this is a great verse and some great advice.
Get off my toes, wouldya?!
Great verse and great reflections.
Thanks for the reminder! I am so guilty of Road Annoyance!
Hmmm. Maybe I’m glad I’m reading in Isaiah right now and not Ecclesiastes! I love the wording of that verse – do not be eager to be angry – I’ve never thought of it that way before.
Thanks for sharing from your heart!
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Great post Katrina! And would ya please pass a steak for the black eye I got reading it? :v)
Excellent post.
Well I’m very new to this whole bloggin’ thing, but would it be poor blogging etiquette to just copy and paste your post to my blog…cuz I SO could’ve written this about me!
I love transparency in people. Thank you.
Great reminder!
Thanks for sharing…
I love reading your blog. Stop by my book page and pick up the awards I have given you!
*smiles*
Kim
http://pageafterpage-kim.blogspot.com/2008/07/feeling-love.html
Very real. Very honest.
Thanks for posting this and making us all ponder our own hearts in scenarios we might otherwise dismiss as allowable-anger.
Oooh. I am so quoting that at my father – it will drive him crazy.
Very true! I am also guilty of thinking that others don’t like me or upset with me if they don’t speak to me right off. This is in the same vein as looking for a fight, isn’t it? Thanks for the reminder!