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The other day, I got mad. Not cute mad, but UGLY mad. I read a post on Facebook that was a response to something I suggested and instantly became enraged. My grandmother might say in a cute southern drawl, “you can get happy in the same pants you got mad in” under these circumstances, I am not sure that was the case. So, in my fit of ugly anger, I did the only thing that seemed true to the moment I prayed. I prayed a fervent prayer that the Lord would let me respond with grace and love, that I might display the qualities of Jesus, and that my words would express kindness in my reply. My anger did not dissipate for hours but the Lord helped me to craft an appropriate response that displayed kindness. The Lord helped me just as he helped Nehemiah in 2:1-5 when he was asked by the king, verse 4, “what do you request” the response we read in Nehemiah, “so I prayed to the God of Heaven.” I felt the power in those words as I wrote them. Nehemiah did not immediately answer the king, he prayed to the God of heaven. It was not that Nehemiah did not have a response to the king, it was that he first sought his King, the God of Heaven. Pray first, speak second.
Lord, God of Heaven I come before you with humility and gratitude. I am overwhelmed by your grace and mercy. Thank you for wanting a personal relationship with each of your children and helping us to grow. May I remember this day and all days that come to pray first and speak second, especially when the answer is on my tongue, I need you Jesus. Pray first, speak second. -Amen