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Bringing Our Easily Bugged, Annoyed, Peeved Selves to Jesus

Fools show their annoyance at once. Prov. 12:16 (NIV)

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools. Eccl. 7:9 (ESV)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5:22-23 (NLT)

Lord Jesus, before I get too far into this day, I want to confess my need of your mercy and grace. In the last few days, it hasn’t taken much to “bug” me and put me in a bad attitude. Like Zuzu, our Yorkie, wanting breakfast at 3am this morning; or that person yesterday who took up two parking places for their new car when I was running late for my lunch appointment; or “every” neighborhood but mine getting rain this week after 10 rainless 90-degree days.

Or hair in my omelet, road construction on my route, and robotic-calls getting through every line of defense I put up. Then there’s delayed flights and deflated bike tires; people who talk too loudly in restaurants and restaurants that “just sold” the last piece of salmon. Help me Jesus. I’m a mess.

I don’t want to be that fool who shows his “annoyance at once”; or that fool in whose bosom anger lodges like a welcomed guest. Settle me and center me, by the grace, truth, and power of the gospel. Nothing in me wants to justify my sinful, self-centered, snarly attitude. Blaming and shaming are the way of the Fall. Humbling and repenting are the way of the gospel.

Instead of indulging the ways of my “flesh” any longer, I surrender to the work of your Spirit in this moment. I repent of not repenting sooner. Thank you for your forgiveness. Jesus, you are my righteousness, peace, and joy. Though I’m no longer condemned for my sins, I want to be convicted about them much sooner and deeper. Thank you for your kindness and patience, Jesus. So very Amen I pray, in your holy and loving name.

 

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