Proverbs 14:29, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."

Psalm 150:1,6, "Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens...Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."

Think

We've all been there. It's Sunday morning, and everyone wakes up on the wrong side of the bed. Maybe your kids have bad attitudes or still can't seem to get their shoes on. Perhaps as you enter the kitchen to start brewing your coffee, you stumble on a "carpet surprise"  left by your dog. Or, you forgot you needed to stop and get gas, and now you're running late!

Things get heated in the car - voices raise, arms cross, everyone is angry. But, as soon as you turn into the church parking lot and wave to the parking team, you mumble, "Everyone needs to get it together." As you walk in the doors, a greeter says, "Good morning! How are you?" You reply with a big smile, "We're doing great!"

It's the "Sunday Show!" The truth, however, remains: Who you are when no one is looking is who you really are!

So how do we avoid morning escalations such as this? We choose self-control. As Christ-followers, we have received the Holy Spirit - our helper and guide - to help us in weak moments. When we ask for the Spirit's help and yield to Him, He fills our gaps and provides exactly what we need - tranquility and wisdom, essentially, an attitude adjustment. So, the moment you feel anger welling up, stop and ask God to help calm your heart and mind. Is it always easy? No! But it's worth the effort to prevent the unnecessary aftermath of anger. And, most importantly, it allows you to be receptive to God's Word and opens your heart to praise your Heavenly Father!

Act

As you get ready for church this morning, exhibit self-control. You know the pressure points of your morning routine, so ask God in advance to help you in those moments.

Pray

Dear God, Thank You for sending Your Spirit to guide me. Give me the awareness to yield to His help in moments of anger, and calm my heart and mind. In Jesus' name, Amen.