Good morning, Father,
Before I step into the day, I ask You to help me lay down the burden of resentment that I may have carried over from yesterday.
Lord, help me not to seek strength in violent outbursts, but in gentleness and self-control. Teach me that a hero is not one who destroys with words, but one who knows how to restrain himself.
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
I do not wish to be like a fool who instantly pours out all his anger. I do not want bitterness and rage to flow from me, wounding others and ultimately poisoning my own soul.
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11)
Lord, Your word warns me not to let the sun go down on my anger, lest I give a foothold to the devil. This is such an important reminder for me. I do not want to carry anger in my heart like a hidden poison, thereby leaving a door open for the enemy of my soul.
Therefore, I consciously ask You today: help me to lay aside all that weighs me down and separates me from You and from my neighbors.
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8)
Your Word calls me so gently, yet firmly, to cease and to let go. Help me not to become agitated, thereby causing even greater harm to myself and to those around me.
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (Psalm 37:8)
And when I struggle with resentment toward someone, remind me of the very core of Your message—forgiveness. Remind me, Lord, that my forgiveness of others is inextricably linked to Your forgiveness of me.
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
It is so difficult at times to let go of the desire for justice, for the other person to get what I think they deserve. Teach me to leave vengeance to You.
Let my prayer today be a petition for an attitude of trust, a plea that I may learn to truly confide in You and surrender all injustices to Your care.
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” (Romans 12:19)
I ask you, Father, grant me today the understanding that comes from being slow to anger. Do not let my impatience cause foolishness in my words and deeds.
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)
Lord, guard my heart from bitterness and grant me strength for my exhausted soul. May today be a day of quick forgiveness, of patience, and of the peace that only You can give.
Amen.
AMEN!!!
This is a wonderful way to start my day. Thanks for providing this .
Give me strength to walk in your light. My Jesus.