Take A Breath!
"Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart
on your bed, and be still."
Psalm 4: 4
The list of circumstances in life in which
we may
be tempted to anger is endless. Because those
events happen frequently, it pays to be prepared.
How do we respond when we feel anger rising
up? The timeless advice of “Take a breath; count
to ten” could easily have its origin in Psalm 4:4.
David wrote Psalm 4 in response to an unknown
circumstance in life, something called “distress”
(verse 1). He seems to have been persecuted by a
group he called “sons of men” (verse 2), a generic
term, at least suggesting a “relationship” matter.
And in verse 4 he seems to pen advice to himself
(or others in similar circumstances): Do not sin by
lashing out or retaliating. So instead, step back and
meditate on what has happened; be still when you
are
tempted to say or do something you will surely
regret.
When anger rises, let it be motivation not to
sin.
Step back, consider, pray for understanding and
guidance and for a way to replace harm with
goodness.
"Anger is just one
letter short of danger."
Unknown