Steamed

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, MemoirTags:, , , , , ,

I admire two men of noble character, Joseph and Job. The Bible records stories about both of these men of faith. Why these two men? Because of the way they maintained their righteousness despite the unjust, horrific, and traumatic events that occurred in their lives I’m drawn to their stories again and again.

Readers familiar with my story are aware I’ve had similar experiences. For ongoing emotional and mental healing, I’m involved in a Biblical 12-step recovery program. My emotions have become hyper-erratic as memories and issues surface. Then I must process and lay them at the foot of the cross to obtain complete healing. More than once, I’ve been steamed with angst or anger.

Heroes
Let’s remember, God had a plan and purpose in Joseph and Job’s stories when all that happened would seem illogical and wrong from their point of view. Everything that occurred to both of these men of faith had been filtered through God’s hands with an intended purpose. This is seen in Job, chapter one.

Believers today, like you and me, can rest in the assurance that NOTHING touches our lives that has not first been met by God’s approval. The evil one does not have free rein; God sets boundaries and limitations, see Job 1:12 and 2:6. It’s a delusion on our enemy’s part that he has control—the battle was won at Calvary. The only control is that granted to him (John 19:11) either by God himself or ourselves when we fail to trust in God’s sovereign good.

Preaching to Myself
When writing and being transparent with readers, I must be careful and cautious to give glory to God Almighty rather than the evil one. He is cunning and if he can allure us, Christ-followers, to take our eyes off Jesus by pointing out his exploits rather than magnifying God, ruminating on his activities rather than praying, or verbally ranting about them. When we do this aren’t, we giving him, the evil one—Satan, a smidge of glory that should be given to God alone?

Too often, I stumble into this pit when talking with close friends under the guise of venting. By venting I mean, giving occasion to freely express strong emotion i.e. vent my frustration or anger. What is my hope and purpose for venting? Is it glorifying God? Or is it me whitewashing the sin of grumbling and murmuring? Ouch, I’ve fallen prey to that more often than I’d like.

I don’t want to ever sugar coat the facts of what I’ve experienced as that would be a form of stuffing or denial, both unhealthy actions. Nor do I want to be so absorbed with past experiences that I fail to live in the present moment. Healing requires a balance of knowing and accepting the truth about things that cannot be changed while keeping my focus fixed on Jehovah—the Healer.

On the roller coaster of fleeting emotions, I want to heed the advice of Paul, “Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity” (Ephesians 4:26, CSB).

I desire to react like Job when tragedy strikes, “He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything” (Job 1:20-22, CSB).

I yearn to live like my spiritual hero Joseph, accepting my fate with humility, grace, and forgiveness. He told his brothers, “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people” (Genesis 50:20, CSB).

My hope is to forgive like Jesus when he said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, CSB).

Dear Reader, do you need to evaluate the source of hyper-erratic emotions? Is there anyone you need to forgive to avoid giving the devil opportunity?

Prayer:
Dear Father God, thank you for the great people of faith whose stories you preserved for us. Let us learn from their examples. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in faith as the great heroes did. Help me trust you and your plan, accepting the hard, unfair, or unjust things of life with grace. Put in me a willingness to forgive as Jesus did. May all glory and honor be upon you. Amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.

Angry man image by Tumisu from Pixabay.
Egg faces photo by Tengyart on Unsplash.
Quote added by Manette Kay.

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

21 thoughts on “Steamed”

  2. I can’t remember where I heard this quote, but as I read this post it kept popping into my head “to love is to forgive.” Job and Joseph would have experienced roller coaster emotions for sure, and yet forgive they did. What wonderful examples you’ve provided here Manette. Your story is a living testimony of God’s continuing grace.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Thank you for sharing your life with us and your wise reflections on times of emotional stress. There are always times when I thought I was doing well, and suddenly something trips me up spiritually. Picking myself up doesn’t come naturally to me; I am probably the least forgiving when it involves my failure. But who am I to accuse myself when God forgives me? May you be blessed dear sister.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Alan, I think that sort of thing happens to more people than not. David wrote many of the Psalms that record emotional and spiritual ups and downs interesting that it is the largest book of the Bible. God apparently wanted us to see how “a man after his own heart,” went through cycles but always came back to his foundation of faith and love of the law. Jehovah bless you and Susan.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. All too often I give vent to my anger, only to have to then go to the Father in shame and once again beg for forgiveness. Yet, He always forgives. He is merciful and gracious, abounding in steadfast love.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Joseph and Job- stayed righteous even with all that they went through. I hope to stay firm in my faith too.
    You writing about venting – that made me pause and reflect on my own actions. I must say that there are times when I have allowed my frustrations to come out in the form of venting. What do we gain out of it- it surely is not glorifying God. But at the same time we cannot keep things all bottled up, how would you draw the line between sharing with someone trustworthy and venting?
    I admire your strength, may the Lord continue to grow you spiritually 💙.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Manu, thank you for reading and reflecting. You pose a good question about determining the mark between sharing and venting. I believe we need to look to the Holy Spirit for guidance case-by-case. The circumstances and people involved will generate different variables but the invariable is the wisdom of the Spirit–our Helper. We must listen, trust, and act accordingly.

      Meanwhile, I think we can also do self-examination checking our own heart motives, being aware of our tone of voice, and the desired outcome.

      Plenty of Psalms express passionate emotions asking the Lord to smite, curse, or wipe out enemies. So, I don’t want to imply that we become emotionless robots. God gave us our emotions, but I find when mine are extreme or intense, it’s time for me to ask why and do a little soul searching with God.

      Jehovah bless you and be gracious to you.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you for sharing this Manette. I do completely understand that we are not meant to be like Robots but pour out our emotions if we need to. I just wanted to hear another godly perspective to check with what I think so I can learn. I agree that seeking wisdom each time is important. It is always good to reflect and check our own motives.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. NOTHING touches our lives that has not first been met by God’s approval – what an amazing truth to hold onto! This post was great and these two characters certainly resignate with me too! God bless

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Great words, and surely evidence of the growth and wisdom you’ve gained through the deep valleys God has led you through. You are so right when you say God filters everything we experience. He is never distant or surprised. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share your story. Praying for the continued healing Jehovah has for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Keith, I capitalized “nothing” for my benefit. That statement is a truth I’ve had to repeatedly remind myself of. It’s all too easy to think, “Woe is me!” when life throws some dung at us. But when I remember that this too passed through my LORD’s hands it changes my thinking from woes to, “How does God want me to leverage ___________ for His glory?” We can see and learn some practical tips from Joseph, Job, and others. Jehovah bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Keep the faith, Brother. I, too, have at times given vent to my pent-up anger and frustration. And then ask God for forgiveness. Situations continue to present themselves, offering me opportunities to not sin, and not let the sun go down still angry. Drop by and comment a time or two!

    Liked by 1 person

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