Target Point, Vol. 6 of 31 Today's Verse/Thought: What Stokes Your Stove?
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31
Life Implication:
When anger occurs we have three options. We Internalize it; we vent it, or we control it.
Let's take a look at the incredible damage INTERNALIZED ANGER can do to us. So often we may have angry feelings and assume that these feelings are wrong. WRONG!! The feelings we feel are not wrong-it's how we deal with those feelings that can take a wrong route. Internalization, stuffing the anger deep down inside can be likened to holding your thumb over an open bottle of soda, and shaking it for all it's worth. What happens? Before long your thumb can't hold the soda in any longer and the bubbling liquid explodes out of the bottle.
Or, you may feel inhibited about your angry feelings and in stuffing those feelings down, it becomes like a simmering stew deep inside. You can then become a casualty mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Either way, whether you are about ready to explode, or you are walking around broken in body, mind and spirit, take a moment to ask yourself: Am I KINDLING (literally) my desire for the Lord, or am I STOKING UP FOR AN OUT-OF-CONTROL BONFIRE?
Life Application:
In your Daytimer, Palm Pilot, on your mirror or refrigerator, or in your Bible (in other words, where you can be constantly reminded) write this terrific reminder by Andy Rooney: When you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere. Whenever you look at that phrase, ask the Lord to release bitterness from your heart and fill that place with His presence. Ask the Lord to KINDLE AND REKINDLE YOUR DESIRE FOR HIM.
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Grumpy Old Men-and Women