A Daily Devotion for Friday, January 28
- ontrakk
- Jan 28, 2022
- 1 min read
Jonah 4:4
But the Lord replied, “Have you any right to be angry?”
God asks Jonah about his anger. Jonah does not seem to let go of it, to the end. Some things we have no control over, many things happens for a greater purpose which we cannot begin to understand. Anger has no value. It changes nothing. It does not make good things happen, or please God. It has a certain energy, no doubt, but think of that energy turned to a more righteous form- turned to a positive goal!
Dear God, you led Jonah to do good, despite his not understanding. Then he was angry at the good results. Help me to be in tune with your plan for me, and help me to change my anger into something more positive and more in keeping with your will. Amen
Becky, transforming
Jonah 4:4 As Becky said, anger has energy. The energy anger produces, however, often serves no good. It doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t even make the person feel better. I feel as if we are living in an angry world right now. I know much of it can be traced to the stress of the pandemic, but I cannot understand the violence associated with this anger. It’s as if much of the world needs a course in anger management. Prayer: Gracious God please help our world put away its anger and turn to you for peace. Amen
Jonah 4: 4 But the Lord replied, “is it right for you to be angry?”
I often question fairness and become angry when evil is forgiven. But then I think of how I have sinned and realize that if God had not forgiven me, I would be damned for all eternity. So even though human logic may question forgiveness of horrible things, I realize that God forgives all who repent and ask for forgiveness.
Dearest Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He leads me away from my bad thoughts and helps me to understand your forgiving nature. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Jonah 4:4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”
Such a simple question, but one that has made me think. Usually I feel justified to be angry. Someone in authority has done a stupid thing (in my estimation), or someone has done something to me personally that I was offended by. But this question makes me see that there are other ways to react instead of with anger. It ties in with our reading from James -- be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Dear Lord thank you for the words that simplify my life. It is much better to live in peace. Amen.
Jonah 4:4
God’s reference to rights seems odd given that God is the source of our natural rights. The framers of our nation saw these as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In our time it appears that anything people want to to is claimed as a right. Even with all this distortion, one does not encounter a groundswell for a right to be angry with God. It occurs. King David aired his complaints in many psalms. Many who have suffered loss or experienced tragedy express anger with God. God sees, understands and grieves with the complainant. In the end we must find our way to the conclusion that God is sovereign, the last authority on all things. Any…