The Peace in Letting Go

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. – (Psalm 37:8, NIV)

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm. – (Psalm 37:8, NLT)

Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry – it only leads to harm. – (Psalm 37:8, TLB)

 

Anger, wrath and rage ultimately bring the most harm to the holder. They have a way of rotting us from the inside out, and lead us to decisions that go against the good that we know we ought to do. Fret and worry are much the same. Each of these responses to external things, create an internal reaction that ruins the resolve within us. This verse does not say, “Never be angry.” Rather, it is a call to not sit and dwell in that space, allowing rage to rise. There is a time for righteous anger, yet how we respond to it matters most. Our charge is not to retaliate nor vindicate, (for this is why there are laws and authorities in place) alternatively, we are to set it in God’s hands. Of course, this is more easily said than done, yet with intention, it is worthwhile. Peace takes root where the anger or worry attempted reign. May we recognize our own responses as they occur and give all anger and worry to Him who brings peace in the most tumultuous spaces.

 

Stop being angry, 

Leave wrath in the dust;

Let go of worry,

Turn to God in trust.

For vengeance is His,

So too, are good plans;

As we trust in Him,

His grace lends a hand.

A hand that gives love,

When we’re lacking peace;

Comfort in worry,

What we need’s released.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to let go of anger, wrath, rage and worry. Thank You that though there is a time for righteous anger, we are not meant to sit and hold it in our hearts and hands. Thank You that as we release these things to You, You replace them with Your comfort and peace. Forgive us for holding anger or worry. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would place all things in Your hands. Show us how to love those around us who are holding anger or worry in such a way, that they may discover the freedom of letting go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give our anger and worry to You, and allow Your comfort and peace to take their place in our hearts. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34

The Wisdom of Grace

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. – (Proverbs 19:11, NLT)

Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget. – (Proverbs 19:11, MSG)

A wise person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense. – (Proverbs 19:11, TPT)

 

Wisdom is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Patience prevails and mercy will not fail when dealing with those who have done wrong. Though there is a time and a place for correction, or at least making known the offense, there too are times when it is best that we simply forgive and move forward, allowing grace to cover what the words or deeds were lacking. May we continually seek the Lord to grow in wisdom, so that we will know how to demonstrate patience and hold our tongue when it is best for us to overlook an offense.

 

Wisdom is made clear, 

When mercy is shown;

Offense forgiven,

Makes God’s goodness known.

For we are not called,

To judge each other;

But rather to love,

Sisters and brothers.

Help us to be slow,

To respond to hurt;

For grace extended,

Demonstrates true worth.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You forgive us despite our propensity to offend and insult You with our words and deeds, each time we act or respond out of anything other than love. Thank You that You do not withhold Your goodness and grace based on how we come before You. Forgive us for denying grace and forgiveness to others when we have felt insulted, offended or wronged. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would respond with Your wisdom that extends love and overlooks offenses. Show us how to love and give grace to those who offend us most. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they recognize and receive Your grace through us. Be glorified O God, due to our decisions to forgive as we have been forgiven by You. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him. – Luke 2:40

His Love, Not Mine

“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  LOVE NEVER FAILS…” (I Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Whenever I think that I am somehow becoming more patient and kind, something happens to show me just how far I have to go.  I say this not as a discouragement, but rather an encouragement; for we all are a work in progress.

As a mother, patience with kids is a fairly natural and routine part of my world.  The same holds true in my role as a teacher.  However, when lines are crossed, and students intentionally attempt to inflict harm upon other children, I no longer feel patient, nor kind.  When the attempt is made on my own child, a fierce sense of protection rises up, and mama bear’s claws come out.  Though I did not physically lash out, nor verbally go after said child, the initial thoughts in my heart toward him were neither patient nor kind.

Once I had the time to slow my body and mind long enough to listen, I recognized that God loves that child, just as I love my own.  The truth of the matter is that hurt people, hurt people, and the boy obviously needs more support than he is being provided presently.  Additionally, God protected my son from what could have been, and created opportunity to speak truth.  His love never fails.  Every morning before my children wake, I pray for their protection.  Once again, He has shown me how He always protects, for His love never fails.

Lord make my heart,

patient and kind;

let my eyes see,

through Yours, not mine.

In You, is truth,

what we can trust;

loving kindness,

from birth to dust.

Teach me Your ways,

so my life shows;

unfailing love,

that each day grows.

Your love alone,

endures always;

it never fails,

all of our days.

May we hold hope,

in You alone;

trust in Your grace,

know that we’re known.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us with an unconditional, everlasting, unchanging love.  Thank You that You are patient and kind, and that You keep no record of our wrongs when we confess and ask for forgiveness.  Thank You that You are our protection and our hope, and that You give us the strength to trust You so that we may persevere.  Forgive us for our tempers, our pride, our lack of patience and kindness, and for our keeping record of wrongs.  We desperately need You to walk out our lives as we are called to do.  Teach us how to extend grace to the hurting who hurt us and our loved ones, and help heal the wounds that have hurt them so deeply.  May hearts be changed and lives restored, as we love like You love us.  Let the lost, the lonely, and the hurting, find comfort and restoration in You.  Be glorified, our great and loving Lord.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy.

– Hebrews 4:16