REPENTANCE IS OVERCOMING ANGER

This week, I am exploring what God says about REPENTANCE. As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 

Lord, I repent of my sin and am blessed by Your forgiveness.   

Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. 

Let us consider the Word of the Lord from Jeremiah 15:6, 15-16, 19: 

”You have rejected me,” declares the Lord. “You keep on backsliding. So, I will reach out and destroy you; I am tired of holding back.” 

“Lord, you understand; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering—do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake. When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” 

Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.” 

When I sin, my first thought is anger, often projected onto others when I should be directing my anger at myself.  Even though I was born with a sinful nature, I am the one who sins, and I must take responsibility for my sin—I cannot say it is anyone’s fault but my own.   

The anger which burns inside me comes from pride; I long for control over my life, but it evades me.  Pride, left unchecked, turns into self-righteousness, or a “holier-than-thou” attitude.  If in my pride, I think I am always right, I will soon believe it is true.  Through such times, I learn once again that the Lord reigns and understands.  I ask the Lord to remember me and care for me. 

Lord, thank You for not leaving me nor forsaking me.  I desire to give up sinful thoughts and ways and ask You to cleanse my mind and heart. 

The Lord promises if I repent, He will restore me.  He does not restore me for my own sake but to reunite me with Himself, so I can do what He created me to do: worship Him.  I serve Him when I utter worthy words: He calls me to be His spokesman and directs His Holy Spirit who lives in me to work and speak through me. 

Lord, may You, the Righteous One, be praised.   

Come close to Your servant and restore my heart;  

I will praise Your name forever.   

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.