I had “woken up on the wrong side of the bed.” Everything was irritating me and I sure didn’t want to deal with real life. I had been up the last few nights taking care of a sick family member and stressed about work deadlines that weren’t being met because of that. I didn’t want to find joy and I was perfectly content to stay in my hole of frustration.
But instead of giving in to the temptation to stew, I got up and I prayed every few minutes that I wouldn’t bite off someone’s head before the day ended.
Have you ever felt this way before? Like someone just breathing could set you off into a tirade of frustration?
It feels so hard to focus on God during the days where everything seems painted blue and grey. But those are the moments when we must focus on God instead of the carnage around us, inviting him to soften the anger, the hurt, the frustration, the sorrow, and choosing instead to focus on his promises.
When I switched out my grumbling for gratitude and focused on the Father, suddenly, the things setting me off became trivial as he whispered promises to me from his Word.
I was tired - Psalms 73:26 I was hurt - John 16:33 I was quick-tempered - Proverbs 14:29
No matter what situation you may find yourself in, remember your first line of defense should be to close your eyes and present your requests to God so that the joy, peace, and comfort his Spirit produces in us may flow through you.
Father, thank you for all the hard situations in my life right now that are calling me to fix my eyes on Jesus rather than myself or the things around me. Thank you for empowering me to do so through your Spirit. Come calm my heart and fill me with love, joy and peace as I contemplate your power, your love, your wisdom, your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.
Throughout This Day: Thank God often for the strengthening power of his Spirit who enables you to fix your eyes on Jesus and rejoice in him, no matter how you are feeling.
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