Ecclesiastes 7:9, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." Matthew 6:33, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

Think

It's football season and you don't have to look very far to find an athlete losing his cool. Many times, they react in the heat of the moment in ways that they normally wouldn't. They do or say things out of character; sometimes it even gets them ejected from the game. Have you ever become so angry that it resulted in regret? Uncontrolled anger is a good indicator of misplaced motivation. It's the fruit of self-centeredness rather than God-centeredness. But also, anger can be a good emotion. It can motivate us to make a change, to take action. But, we have to manage it before it mismanages us. Whenever you begin to feel angry or frustrated, pause and ask yourself whether your perspective of the situation is self-centered or God-centered. Then, ask God to help you respond with self-control rather than reacting out-of-control. If we keep our eyes fixed on God, then He can use even our anger to motivate us and help us grow.

Act

The Bible says in James 1:19, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." This requires an immense amount of patience with ourselves and with others. When feelings of anger start to rise up, pause, take a deep breath and use this verse as a reminder of how you should respond.

Pray

Dear God, today I choose to see the situations in my life that cause me to get upset as opportunities to refocus my energy on You and what You have planned for my life. Thank You for being patient with me. Help me to extend that patience to others by being quick to listen and slow to speak. I am so thankful for Your Word that leads me and guides me. Amen.