THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Monday, May 8, 2023

Lord, as a Christ follower, I know I shouldn’t be so, but some people upset me. Especially politicians and pundits, insulting us with their straight-faced lies. To them, the truth is whatever they say it is, regardless of facts. There are coworkers who annoy me as well. Somehow, they push my last nerve button before I come unraveled. Or that noisy neighbor playing loud music for the neighborhood to enjoy—at 2:00 a.m. Lord, why do You allow Rap music? How I wish I had the power to strand the bums on a desert island far, far away.

Their nonsense troubles my soul, which is what the enemy of my soul intended his pawns to do—stir up unrest within my spirit. But then, faithfully the Holy Spirit comes charging in like the calvary with a truth from Your Word.

“Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land,”—Psalm 37:8,9 (NLT).

Lord, did the psalmist have a picture of me in his wallet? You could not have spoken a truer truth that I needed. My ranting did lead to harm, but not for those poor souls I wished to be on the desert island. These emotions harmed me. Robbed me of my peace. Cancelled my joy. Turned me into a sour puss people want to avoid.

Forgive me, Lord. You will take care of these folks. They will have to give an account of themselves to You, not me. May my prayer be to remain Christlike, pray for our leaders (Romans 13), friends, and love our neighbors. We trust You will take care of Your people, regardless of the governing officials in power.

Amen, Jesus.