Read Psalms 72:1–20; 86:1–17
Lynette was starting another workweek. Deep in morning traffic, she sipped her coffee while watching the cars in front of her. Traffic was at a standstill. She glanced at her watch, worrying she would be late again. She could feel her anger rise. A stack of work left over from last week awaited her—not to mention the new projects from the current week. Lynette blew her horn, but the traffic didn’t budge. She sighed deeply and shook her head. When she looked away from the traffic and into a grove of trees at her side, she saw some birds. She heard their cheerful song, even above the din of motors. She smiled and realized they were enjoying the morning. She felt ashamed at her irritation and remembered the Scripture she had read earlier.
You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
Lynette prayed for God’s forgiveness. Her anger toward the people who were just trying to get to work was unjustified. If God was “slow to anger” toward her, then surely He wanted her to be toward others.
PRAYER SUGGESTION: Lord, make me like You—compassionate, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love.
© by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802