Minding Your Moods:
Addicted to Anger – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 15:1 and James 1:19

Key Verse: Proverbs 29:11

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

As we wrap up our discussion on angry responses that are simply manipulative behavior, let’s take the third step.  Remember from yesterday’s devotional, step one is surrendering your will to God’s will.  This step helps you not to be so determined to get your way when someone in your life threatens that.  The second step was to be accountable to those close to you by giving them permission not to cave in to you simply because of your angry outbursts.

            A third step is to start your day—everyday—with a prayer for God’s Spirit of self-discipline.  Claim God’s promise in 2 Timothy 1:7 that assures you that God wants to give you a spirit of self-discipline.  When we discipline our children, we are correcting a behavior we feel is inappropriate.  The same is true when we see behavior in ourselves that we feel is inappropriate.  We need to discipline ourselves—to correct a poor display of adult behavior!  God wants to help if you are willing to ask.  We ask every day, not because God forgets, but because we need the daily focus.  We need to remind ourselves of our weaknesses and vulnerability to the enemy’s attacks.

            The devil doesn’t want you to realize that he is very involved in your poor behavior.  Yes, our flesh is weak and we make many poor decisions on our own, but don’t discount the devil’s work.  1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that he lurks around us, looking for ways to devour us!  Call on God and His Spirit, every day!

Father, help me to remember the spiritual battle that is raging for my soul.  I need your help today to discipline my flesh.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.