May 11
Ps 39-41, 53, 55, 58
It would probably be helpful if we could see our own faces in the mirror when we were angry. We might be shocked at what we see. Our faces say a lot about who we are, and are also the door which invites people to either engage with us or avoid us. So, are we walking around angry, with our faces all contorted, or do we exude peace and tranquility? Everyone who is angry feels justified in their anger, even those on opposing sides of the same argument. We, in Christ, should reserve those moments, if used at all, for true righteous indignation. This means your anger is reserved for those things which anger God. But even with these topics which could include child abuse, abortion, etc., calmness is what is recommended as we read in Romans 12:19-21, "Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good." But anger is rampant now. Many within the body of Christ have been walking around in an angered state over politics, the shutdowns due to the virus, the riots, etc. We are certainly entitled to our opinions, but as ambassadors on earth, and citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), this should not be our demeanor if we are to take seriously what our true role is here while on earth.
We see David struggling with the injustices surrounding him, as we read in Psalm 39:1-3, "I said to myself, “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words:" But after his outburst, he quickly reminded himself of who he was in relationship to God, in 39:4-7, "“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."
Perhaps you want to justify your anger and state that the world that you have known is being taken away from you. Perhaps you want to justify your anger because of what it will mean for your children. Remind yourself, that this is not your world if you know Jesus, heaven is. Our time here is short, as we read in James 4:14, " How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone." So, what advice have we been given? We read in James 1:19, "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." When we blow it, and we will, remember Paul's advice in Ephesians 4:26-27, "And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." Just like any other sin, when we justify it we are wrong. We need to confess it and allow ourselves to fall under the forgiving arms of our perfect and holy God.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: