Red Light Revelation

I'm sure none of you struggle with irritability.  ;-)  My irritability was brought to light during a recent stop where I had a red light revelation at which time I reflected upon the underlying problem that caused me to be irritable...

Revelation - Don't Be Late!

Do you ever notice that when you are running late and need to be somewhere important, that every single traffic light always seems to be red!  It never fails!  Because of the red traffic lights, I end up being delayed further! My mood becomes more irritable as the clock keeps ticking away.  If the red lights weren't enough, it seems every person I am driving behind has decided to go slow!  My attitude deteriorates even more...  In my mind, I'm directing hostility to the poor innocent slow driver in front of me.   Inevitably, this series of events occurs many times on the way to church...  Certainly, a shameful way to begin the Lord's Day.

My revelation, I didn't allow myself enough time to get ready so that I wouldn't be late, despite red lights or slow drivers.  You see, there can be just as many red traffic lights on days when I am not in a rush.  The difference is I don't notice the red lights because I have allowed plenty of time to arrive at my destination and/or I'm enjoying the drive, enjoying the company, deep in thought or whatever the case, at that particular time, it is not effecting me.  I'm not letting red lights ruin my day.

The remedy for the red traffic light problem.  Don't be late!  Whether it be school, work, an appointment or church, prepare as much as you can the night before.  Make your lunch, lay out your clothes, set your alarm earlier, prepare in any way you are able, and don't let social media distract you.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; observe its ways and be wise.

 Proverbs 6:6

I realize that unforeseen things can certainly happen that cause us to be late which are outside of our control; a hungry baby, a diaper that needs changing, a crying toddler, a teachable moment for our children, a sudden important phone call, a friend in need, just to name a few.  In those cases, when we  are running late and encounter red lights, we can rest contented knowing that we took care of important matters - matters of provision, comfort, and the heart - matters for the Kingdom.

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,

 and all these things will be added unto you." 

 Matthew 6:33

When you seek first His Kingdom, maybe, just maybe, you will find that every traffic light will be green. :-)

Revelation - An Underlying Problem

There are some days when just simply being clumsy and dropping something will cause me to go into a rage.  It's really quite silly how angry I become just because I dropped something.   In the moment, I wouldn't dare tell myself I was being silly because after all, I want to feel angry!  But then that moment fades quickly, and disappointment sets in when I realize, "Wow, I was just reading an edifying Christian blog post or praying or reading my Bible and I'm behaving like this??"  Then I hear Satan whispering in my ear, "And you call yourself a Christian...  I don't think so..."

My revelation, there are deep seeded issues I am wrestling with whether it be a relationship problem, a general problem, sickness, affliction, discontentedness, or not getting my own way.  I have not surrendered to the Lord whatever it is I'm processing subconsciously which results in an angry outburst just because I dropped something.  I'm directing my anger at the situation rather than addressing my feelings with the Lord.  I think a lot of times this happens because I feel like the situation I am dealing with is out of my control to fix or seems hopeless to change; the only thing I can control is my anger - at the dropped item...

"A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." 

Proverbs 29:11

"For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God".

James 1:20

The remedy for being irritable, you must be honest with yourself and with God.  Instead of holding onto those things that are upsetting you, give them over to the Lord.  Talk with Him about it.  Ask the Lord to give you a teachable heart.  Seek wisdom on how to address those things that are in your control.

"Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; 
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

Psalm 55:22

Search me O God and know my heart ; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me.   And lead me in the everlasting way. 

Psalm 139:24

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." 

Psalm 51:10

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."

Proverbs 16:3

{For more insights on how to avoid the consequences of sin in your life, please head over to my post Are You  Choosing a Curse and Not Even Realizing It? which you can read HERE.}

Revelation - Complaining Fuels Irritability

I confess, I am a murmurer, especially when it comes to housework or picking up after others.  As I'm cleaning, I am complaining to myself with much negative self-talk.  "Nobody else does anything around the house."; "I have to do everything."; "Am I everyone's servant??

The reality of the situation, I am feeling underappreciated, unnoticed...  In the area of housework, I am not seeing my home as a mission field - an area of service.   Any housework I am doing for my family is essentially cancelled out when I murmur in the midst of it.  I am not conducting myself as someone who is giving cheerfully, but instead as someone who is resentful.

Our homes are the first mission field the Lord commissions to us.  Serving those we love should never be resented, even housework...

"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."  1 Timothy 5:8

Revelation - Serving Others as the Lord

The remedy for murmuring, remember Who your work is ultimately for.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than 

for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward

 of inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve..."

Colossians 3:23-24

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves. 

 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."  

Romans 12:10-11

When we serve inside our homes, not only are we modeling Christ-like behavior to our spouses and children, we are training for service outside the home to be a witness to those who are perishing.

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." 

 John 13:35

I do want to clarify that I am not implying that those who serve in the home should not be appreciated or should be treated as servants.  Every human being desires to know that they are loved and appreciated.  God designed us with hearts to love and to be loved.  It is important to spur one another on with words of encouragement and gratitude.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."  

Hebrews 10:24

Let us serve in our homes without expecting praise, working quietly for the Lord, knowing that He sees and is well pleased.

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Matthew Henry sums up perfectly in his commentary on James 1 the experiences I shared above:

"When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions.  This may not always  expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God.  No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God.

Seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments."

It wasn't until I had read Matthew Henry's insights that I had the revelation of how much I allow "second causes" to rule my emotions and my behavior.  This certainly isn't good for my own emotional and spiritual health, and most especially, it is a poor witness to those around me.

I must remember to cast my burdens upon the Lord; to steadfastly seek God's wisdom in all things; to pray without ceasing; to endure and be patient in trials and affliction; to allow my heart to be taught; to serve the Lord with my whole heart and soul, and to have my enjoyment in Him.

 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed lacking in nothing. 

 James 1:4

Even when you're late, red lights can be a good thing.  ;-)

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