EXCHANGING ANGER FOR GOD'S PEACE

 EXCHANGING ANGER FOR GOD’S PEACE

   Psalm 126 [NLT] When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

   Matthew [MKJV] 11:25-30 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank You, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things are delivered to Me by My Father. And no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son will reveal Him. Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

  An incongruous event occurred as result of my rewriting and again airing DT series on anger. A DT subscriber became angry at what I’ve written about anger and SHOUTED for me to remove her name from mailing list.

  I immediately did so per her instruction. I was saddened. I rejoiced.

  I rejoiced because in past I would have, silly though it may seem to you, suffered prideful feelings of rejection and accompanying passive-aggressive anger . . . but there was not so much as a shadow of the dark combine. How great is God’s life-changing Word when it is embraced! Truly His yoke is lighter! How wonderful is His rest! (Mt.11:29-30)

  I’m saddened because having been there and knowing that such angry reaction indicates woundedness; demonstrating the need for spiritual examination and remedy of giving burdensome emotional yoke in exchange for Jesus’ lighter one, anger for His peace.

  And now there is something else you may already know: As His 2Corinthians 5:17 ambassador should never be misconstrued as a happy Christian endeavor that all people will appreciate, applaud, and love us for. 

EBB4