First Response
Day 27
Because in the moment I feel them, I feel justified feeling them and find them hard to battle….
Default. Predetermined value or setting.
In the moment, those moments when it happens what is your predetermined setting? When the one thing happens one more time. What setting do you go to?
God is teaching me to change my default setting to pause. Rather yelling, slamming a door, or giving the silent treatment. Am I good at pause? The verdict is still out on that one. At best, I get it right 50% of the time. 50/50 isn’t too bad, considering where I started.
Here are some verses that help me when last straw breaks the camel’s back…
“Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:9
Help our first response Lord, be to pause and response, rather than continue and react.
I needed this devotional today. Just last night my teens were getting on me for screaming :))))). BTW- the James reference should be James 1:19, only because I needed to underline this baby in my Bible!!!!!! (smile). Thanks Wendy!!!!!!
Imperfect progress is still progress so we progress on together ladies, amen? Have a wonderful day!!!
April
I needed to hear this today. I don’t think I get it right even 50%. What I need is a memory boost to remember Psalm 141:3 or a pause button that I can press instead of allowing my emotions to boil over. I have written the verse on a card, laminated it, and carry it with me – but unfortunately forget it when I should remember it. Will keep on trying – amen, amen.
Rokhshie
This reminded me of my Wednesday evening. I have a four year old who desparately seeks attention. He was unpleasable (hope that’s a real word) on Wednesday afternoon. He didn’t want to do the alphabet sounds and writing practice I planned for after work and preschool. He didn’t want to get out of the car when we arrived home. He did want Macaroni and Cheese for dinner, but not the box I made. It went on all night. I finally lost it and yelled at him. He pouted, shook a little, and then full out cried. At that point, I felt like a horrific monster. God, when you test my patience it seems as if you intend to remind me I have short fuse and need to try to lengthen it with your help. I can’t take back the damage I’ve done in that short moment, but I can remember that with every new day and every new hour, I have a new chance to start over and try again. Thank you God for reminding me.
I have written James 1:19 down. I need to work on this verse. I am thankful God did not wire me where I get angry easily. I have a few times and really surprised myself. I believe in those times it was because I had bitterness that had been pushed down and not dealt with. I do need to learn to listen carefully before I speak. I have lots of room for improvement. Listen is my Word for the year 2013. I had been thinking more along the line of listening to the Holy Spirit but today God has taught me a new area of listening, to my husband, family and friends.