CFNN Reporter: Brianna Keen

On Tuesday morning, Brandon Simpson led the devotion on Ephesians 4:25-32. The main focus was on anger and how it leads us to sin. 

The verses read: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and I clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

I think anger is one of the strongest human emotions we possess. It can be so difficult to fight that frustration when it comes knocking. However, I think it is worth noting that these verses are not saying you can never be angry. Of course that would be nice, but as humans it is simply not possible. We just have to be careful about where that anger leads us and if it starts to permanently stay in our hearts. At the end of the day, we will get upset no matter how hard we try not to. But what matters is that you don’t stay in that angry place and you don’t let that anger lead you to bigger sins. Repent when you yell at your family member or that stranger who cut you off on your way to work. Our flesh will tell us that we are justified in our anger, but that simply is not true. As followers of Christ, we have been called to a higher standard. The Lord expects us to turn our cheek, no matter the persecution or mocking we face. He knows that we will not be perfect, but He does expect us to try our best and faithfully repent when we sin. 

When I was younger, I used to think it was a horrible thing to be angry at God. However, that perspective changed once I read Job. I realized that Job was angry at God, but he voiced it through prayer. God still put Job in his place and displayed His authority, but He didn’t smite Job for expressing his anger at all the things that were happening to him. It makes sense, I mean think about it. Jesus is omniscient, all knowing. So what makes you think that He isn’t aware of your discontent with the season of life you’re in? It is better to speak to your heavenly Father about your feelings rather than ignorantly try to hide them from Him. 

On Thursday, Coach Britt led the devotion on “God’s Great Game Plan,” which referenced Genesis 3:8-17, John 1:14, and Hebrews 1:1-2. This lesson was a great reminder to always focus on the Lord’s plan over our own. It can be so easy to get caught up in what the world or our flesh wants us to do, but we have to lift our eyes up to the One who is in control. He knows you better than you even know yourself and has been there for you since He created you in your mothers womb, so why would you not trust in Him to write your story? When those thoughts of doubt come creeping in about what your future looks like or how you’re going to get through the season you’re in, turn to prayer. What better way to calm yourself than to speak to the Creator of life? It’s also helpful to get into the word and immerse yourself in the good news of the Gospel. The word is one of the greatest gifts that the Lord has given us, so use it! 

Thank you for reading, and remember to pick up your cross daily!