AUGUST 28

Proverbs 16:32

Bang! Matthew’s ankle hit the dining room chair. Crash! The chair toppled over as Matthew kicked it with his bare foot. “Ouch!” yelled Matthew as he sat down to rub his sore ankle and aching toes. “That dumb chair! It always gets in the way.”

Dad walked over to the chair, quietly set it up, and asked, “Who are you mad at, Matt?” “At the chair,” replied Matthew. “It hurt my foot!” “I’m sorry you got hurt,” said Dad, “but the chair didn’t actually jump out in front of you, did it? So why take it out on the chair?” Matthew shrugged. “It’s no big deal,” he grumbled. “Who cares if I yell at the chair? It can’t hear me.”

“No, but God can,” Dad replied. “Do you think He’s pleased when you shout and kick the chair just because something doesn’t go your way?” Dad shook his head. “You’re responsible for your actions and for the words that come out of your mouth,” he continued.“Displaying your temper won’t make your anger go away. It only makes you, and everyone around you, more tense and unhappy.” Matthew looked down at the floor. This was not the first time Dad had spoken to him about his problem with anger.

“Well… then what should I do?” mumbled Matthew.

“When you feel anger rising up, immediately ask God to help you get rid of it,” replied Dad. “If you start to feel sorry for yourself, tell God about it.” Dad grinned as he added, “ And walk a little more slowly through the dining room. Then if you bump into a chair, it won’t hurt so much.”

Matthew and his father laughed together. “I’ll try, Dad,” agreed Matthew. As he turned to go, he immediately bumped into the corner of the table.“Ouch! You old . . .” He stopped and rubbed his leg. Then glancing at Dad, he added with a grin, “Sorry, Mr. Table. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”

Dad grinned, too. “Great!” he said. “This time I’m sure God was pleased with what He heard.”

Thought: Do you control feelings of anger, or do they control you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to realise that people who lose their temper can hurt and irritate those around them, and they displease You, too. Anger can easily lead to other sin such as fighting and bearing grudges. With Your help, please may I be able to control my temper! This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.