“‘In your anger do not sin.’ Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27
“Oops I did it again,” were words I hadn’t even spoken? But I realized that my reaction to what I had seen had interrupted my peaceful morning! In an instant, I ‘felt’ the sound of a jail cell door slamming closed, locking me into the state of unpleasant, unwanted and unintentional separation from the Joy of The Lord. And all I was doing was looking for a place to buy gas!
I have an app that gives me as much as 15 cents off a gallon of gas. But it’s only good at certain locations. Luckily for me, 2 of those stations are within a mile of each other. The price for a gallon of gas, like Jesus, had risen! It was up 15 cents over the day before. But my truck was on ‘E!’ So figured high priced gas was better than walking 5 miles! Then ANOTHER set of problems arose!
Seeing a station in between with gas 17 cents lower than my advertised special, I went to do a U-turn, after I had done the math. Only to be trapped behind 4 cars looking to do the same thing! After finally turning and approaching the cheaper station, I literally watched the price change to 15 cents higher! By the time I got BACK to the other station… IT TOO had raised Its prices. UGH!!!!
Satan and the world had won. My Jesus morning had been interrupted after I had allowed outward circumstances to alter my inward heart. Instead of living with peace and joy, I was frustrated and angry. What’s even worse… I have to admit it happens to me every day! Prices, social issues, politics, greed and selfishness are tools in the hands of satan, who controls the world!
There are almost a hundred Bible verses that allude to satan’s control of this world! Believers like to say ‘God is in control,’ but even God has admitted that He isn’t. But He WILL BE! Until then, I am SUPPOSED to EXPECT trouble, persecution, difficulties and being taken advantage of. AND I’m required by my Lord to MAINTAIN CONTROL of my spirit by walking every moment with Him.
As we study the Book of Revelation, I’m reminded of our assignment to read chapters 2 and 3. There, Jesus has written personal ‘Love Letters’ to His future bride ‘The Church.’ And just like any young lover’s letters, the feelings and details are explicit! In His letters He affirms His love and devotion, but then adds expectations as well. “I didn’t know!” I NOT an excuse He’ll accept!
It is good to know that Jesus is even MORE interested in saving than I am! But He encourages me to get better at it and to keep my eyes, heart and spirit on HIM… my lover… and not on the things of satan or the world! Are YOU steering your way around the obstacles and focusing on Him?
