Morning Coffee
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly,” Proverbs 14:29, NIV.
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back,” Proverbs 29:11, NIV.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger,” James 1:19, NIV.
Have you ever awakened in a bad mood? Have you ever thought, “I should put a coffee maker in the bathroom?” Believing all moods can be altered by a “cup of Joe.” That would be nice if it were true. Granted some of our morning woes—headaches, fatigue, weariness can be changed by our French roast or Columbia choices, but not all.
Today was a “Get out of my way,” anger that really had no root, kind of morning. Why was I in such a bad mood? Why would I want to blame my husband, who asked me for a favor that I agreed to do, be mad at him? Why was the fact that my son, who was still sleeping bothering me? Why doesn’t the coffee taste good? Needless to say, I woke up in a bad mood.
While trying to find my footing, the Holy Spirit showed up—perfect timing as usual—and nudged me to “clean house.”
Spiritual attacks happen when we least expect them, catching us off guard. But the struggle is always real. The feeling of control, the anger that gave a sense of strength and the desire to have my own way was preventing me from doing what I knew to be the good and right thing.
So, I prayed. King Jesus has the authority to deal with the lies of Satan and his minions. And once again, Jesus had the victory.
“The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool,” Psalm 110:1, ESV.
Clear headed, realizing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life was humbling. All it took was for my pride, my way, to be replaced by self-control in order for me to pray and ask for help.
Self-control, the attribute that we all need, but don’t relish the training to gain.
But without God’s gift of self-control, my morning would have been completely different. The day most likely, would have ended with remorse and apologies. But apparently, I had an opportunity to learn some self-control, due to a past trial, which had trained me to recognize a spiritual attack. Because of said trial, I knew what I needed to do to stop listening to the liar. I’m sure I wasn’t happy going through the trial that led to the training, but the benefits of it this morning saved others from a ‘bad mood Susie’ this day.
Let us spend time listening and following our King Jesus today. Let us remember who He is and what He’s done—the one who has conquered sin. We just need to stand behind Jesus as He leads us on His path of righteousness. Our job is to listen and follow. When we agree with our King, and do what He asks of us, our days are so much lighter! Is it easy? No! Denying ourselves is our daily “SACRIFICE,” yet some days will be better than others.
The victory of a wrong righted, is joyful. The peace that God gives as the battle is won is amazing.
Stay the course today, don’t give up. Remember the One we call Savior and listen to Him.
Father,
Thank You for helping me this morning find my footing.
Thank You for Your nudge of righteousness.
Thank You for the ability to choose You over me and my foolish ways.
Thank You for loving me deeply and wholeheartedly that I know I’m not alone.
To God be the glory and the victory, always.
Amen.
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