Snapped

Have you ever had one of those days or moments when you just snap? Those final straw moments that the ugly side of you decides to make an appearance. I sure have. Those moments are not my finest hours and I know that I don’t represent God in them. People may wonder if I truly believe what I say I do when I’ve snapped.

I’m grateful that those moments are not penned in history so that everyone can see how human I can be. It does soften my heart towards David who is referenced as a man after God’s own heart, yet he too was human and had moments when he snapped.

David had been on the run from King Saul, moving from place to place and had taken on the responsibility of many families that had joined him. The more Saul chased David, the more David pressed into God.

He was learning that his peace, provision and direction were from God and his personal relationship with God was developing into a beautiful display of God’s presence in his life. We can read about his passionate relationship with God in the Psalms and understand why he is referred to as a man after God’s own heart. We also can read about not so wonderful moments when his emotions got the better of him and he made unwise choices and acted on them.

In 1 Samuel 25 we read that Nabal had insulted him and refused to send supplies that were much needed. David was so angry he snapped. Calling together some of his fighting men, he set off to kill all the males in Nabal’s household. David had been on the run for his life for a while and the insult and refusal to help was the last straw. He was seeking vengeance and was ready to pour out his wrath in a murderous way.

Have you ever been that angry? We might say that we’ve been angry with someone but not enough to kill them. But Jesus said “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.” (Matthew 5:21-22 MSG)

James 1:20 reads, “For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Killing Nabal and his household was not part of God’s plan and the Lord sent Abigail to intercede. This story is living proof that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1-2)

What kind of temper do you have? What makes you snap? When those moments arise there are many verses in the bible that will speak truth into the situation. Word of God that will calm our spirit and remind us that God is complete control. We don’t need to take matters into our own hands because God’s word says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

When we let anger rule us we have opened the door for the enemy to kill. Our words are powerful and although they can be forgiven, they will still be remembered. We are instructed in Ephesians 4:26-27, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold.” When our words speak God’s truth, His power takes control of the situation and His power can change people and redirect their actions.

David allowed his anger to take hold and the results could have been disastrous and completely out of the will of God. But God’s word changed his heart and David praised God for sending Abigail with words of truth and provision. Ten days later when Nabal died he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” (1 Samuel 25:39)

Some of my favorite verses for when I’m angry are, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) and “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

God knows that we will have moments that push us to our limits and He has provided a way out for us, His word. Speaking His word releases His power and we are able to overcome the insults, the neglect and the needs because He will take care of it all. His word places the situation in God’s more than capable hands and we like David, will be praising God who has kept us from doing wrong.

My Prayer

Father, I thank you for Your word and the constant encouragement and direction that it gives. I pray that when I find myself pushed to the limit I will speak Your word into the situation and trust You for the outcome. Thank you for stories in the bible that give examples of You in action and the beautiful relationship that we can have with You as we choose to press into You rather that take matters into our own hands. I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

James 1:20

“For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”