Let it Out and Let it Go
Eating and hissing. Wrai is adjusting well. He’s a spunky little guy. Being an outdoor cat all his life, I’m sure he will be ready soon to leave our condo. We’re going to give him a few more days.
I’ve never hissed at God, but I’ve cussed at Him. He handled it pretty well. No lightning strikes. I think my Heavenly Father knew I was hurting and confused. And by His grace, He allowed me room to vent.
Only those people with whom we have the closest relationships see our ugly sides. At least, for the most part. That’s why I love the psalms. They reflect both the best of times in our walk with God and the worst of times.
I’m also a big fan of Jeremiah. He was our Lord Jesus’s favorite prophet; he quoted Jeremiah more than any other of the prophets. In chapter eleven of his prophecy, we read about a plot originating in his hometown of Anathoth to take Jeremiah’s life. Think about it: friends and family plotting to destroy you!
Of course, Jeremiah was more than a little upset, and in chapter twelve, he takes the Lord to task —
“I would speak with you about your justice, O Lord: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?”
And Jeremiah’s not finished. He continues with some advice, bordering on a command to God.
“Drag them off like sheep to be butchered! Set them apart for the day of slaughter!”
Been there. Done that. And like Jeremiah, I had to repent and forgive my enemies.
“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others” may be the hardest part of the prayer Jesus teaches us to pray. But it’s also the most vital. Bitterness and what one of my mentors calls “cold love” is the result of holding on to anger and unforgiveness.
I’m not sure little kitty cats like Wrai understand these things, but you and I know more about anger and unforgiveness than we’d like. But our spiritual health demands that we let these things go. And that’s why going to God and venting can be a good thing. Believe me; He can take it. I know from experience.
I also know from experience that we can learn to forgive, and as we do, we learn how to love. Best of all, we sense God’s great love and pleasure with us as we grow in compassion and mercy. Our hearts grow softer, and our sense of God’s presence grows stronger in our lives.
Who do you need to forgive today? May I suggest you take your anger and bitterness to God? Let it out and let it go.
You’ll be glad you did.
In Christ,
Dan
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