Proverbs 16:32,  "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, better to have self-control than to conquer a city."

Think

"Who you are when no one's looking is who you really are." We've all been there. It's Sunday morning and everyone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Maybe your kids have bad attitudes or still can't seem to get their shoes on? Maybe you woke up to surprises left by your pets or that your better half drank the coffee and didn't leave you any? Things get heated in the car, voices raised, arms crossed – everyone is angry. But then you turn into the church parking lot, wave to the parking team and mumble that 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, "Good morning! We're doing great!" It's the Sunday Show! So how do we avoid mornings that escalate like this? Choose self-control. As Christ-followers, we have the Holy Spirit (our helper and guide) to help us in our weaknesses. When we ask for his help and yield to him, he fills our gaps. The moment you feel anger welling up, stop and ask for his help to calm your heart and mind. It is always easy? No. But it's worth the work in the moment to prevent the unnecessary aftermath of anger.

Act

As you get ready for church this morning, put this in to practice. You know the pressure points of your morning routine, so ask God now to help you in those moments.

Pray

Dear God, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to help me. Give me the awareness to yield to his help when I am getting angry and calm my heart and mind.