Dear Lord; Happy Monday Father!
First off Lord, I want to thank You for a lovely weekend surrounded by family and friends. I was even able to get out with the kids for a photowalk in the forest, and enjoyed it very much. All in all, it was a pleasant couple of days and I am truly thankful for You Blessing me with that respite.
Today Father, I’d like to discuss something I’ve seen more and more evidence of lately; People seem to be increasingly frustrated, angry and confrontational. Now, I realize this is a gross generalization however it feels like the overall “threshold” of people’s tolerance and temperament is much lower than it has been in recent past. Little everyday issues that could easily be talked through or handled with minimal effort are launching people into flashes of ire that are way out of proportion to the immediate cause. We’re deluged with examples of it in the news, I’ve seen it when dealing with clients and vendors at my office, and even when observing the actions of other shoppers while out grocery shopping. It’s getting tense down here Lord.
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8 (NIV)
I’ll admit that with all the increased stress I’ve been under professionally lately Father, I’ve been guilty of having a “shorter fuse” upon occasion, but You’re always very quick to remind me that’s not Your Way and I get back on track. This being the case, it leads me to a significant concern…
Are there that many people that aren’t listening to You?
I’m quite afraid I already know the answer to that question, but I guess I hadn’t realized the scope of the issue. I do know that I’ve come to depend on Your Voice and Presence in my life Father, almost like I need air to breathe. You encourage me, sustain me and guide me throughout my day and I am forever thankful for Your Blessings. Do I sometimes get upset anyways? Absolutely! I’m imperfect and flawed and I realize that. Thankfully, when my humanly failings rear their ugly heads I have You to forgive me, bolster me and guide me back to Your Path.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, today I pray for all those who are lost and without the clarity to hear Your Comforting Voice. Please calm their restless spirits, and clear away the self-imposed barriers in place which prevent them from Your Wondrous Counsel. And Lord, please assist me in acting as an emissary of Your Word and in bringing Your Message to those in need. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
I can agree with you on this because it does seem like many people become angry over the little things. I know for myself when I get upset the moment I walk away the Lord begins to speak to me and say now was that right what you did? And I say no, Lord it wasn’t I guess I could of done it better. And I find myself going back to the person and making it right. But God tells us that in our anger don’t sin, and I use to think that I wasn’t to get angry. But never given much thought to the fact that when I get upset if I allow myself to continue think about how I got upset my flesh will have it’s own thoughts then my anger has turned to sin instead of just being anery. I tell you I am just so glad that when I am in error that the spirit quickens me to make it right. Other wise I would listen to my flesh and remain bitter which is truly not one of the fruit of the spirits.
Isn’t it wonderful that He’s always there to set our troubled spirits right?? 🙂
Have a Blessed Day Desiray!
I needed to hear this today… having a grumbley morning at our house. I notice when things seem to have fallen from my control that’s when I get like this. I need to remember that they were never meant to be in my control to begin with. His truth comforts me and I’m listening!
I’m so thankful for His Voice Heidi… I can always trust in Him to bring my gaze back to the right direction.
Have a Blessed Day!
I used to have such a problem with anger, but God has really changed my heart. I still get upset sometimes, but I listening more to that still, small voice that tells me to give it all to Him.
Have a great day!
We all get upset sometimes Lisa, but thankfully we have His Voice to guide us back to Him. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I have struggled with this off and on for awhile. I want to be like Christ and He would not go off screaming and yelling when the kids did not get chores done or a person on the road cuts Him off. I am learning to watch my attitude, action and words. Thanks for this!
We’ve been working on that in our home as well Jenifer. May His Counsel keep us both on the right track!
Have a Blessed Day!
I have noticed that if I don’t react with anger in return (or whatever the negative emotion is) to someone, but with kindness or understanding then maybe I am showing them a little bit of Jesus in me. Maybe they’d even ask why I react the way I do and I can say because of my Jesus who dwells in me!
Good point Allison. It’s difficult sometimes not to react “off the cuff”, but I’ve been trying to practice the same thing as of late and you’re right… It makes a big difference.
Have a Blessed Day!