ANGER, A FOOTHOLD FOR THE DEVIL... Today as I deal with a particular set of difficult circumstances in my life, I am drawn to this verse in Ephesians 4:27...There are two slightly different translations - the New Living Translations version says - And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil (NLT) The New American Standard Bible (Hebrew to Greek) says - Be angry and yet do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not give the devil an opportunity (NASB) The NASB translation recognises the fact that it is human to get angry. We know that there were times when Jesus himself got angry; when he cleared the temple of the merchants and His anger at the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Anger in itself is not the issue.. the problem is what we do when we are angry. Anger becomes a door through which the enemy is only too glad to walk in bringing with him a host of other evils...unforgiveness, bitterness, spite, malice, curses, wickedness, judgement, lack of mercy or compassion, self-righteousness, intolerance, revenge, judgement, enmity and a complete lack of mercy or grace. All of these things create footholds for the enemy. The Dictionary defines a foothold as a place where a persons foot can be lodged to support them securely, especially while climbing. When we allow any of these emotions to take up residence in our heart, irrespective of the reason or the provocation, we welcome sin in, we begin to act and think under its control and we give the enemy an opportunity to sow other seeds in our lives and all around us!!! There is a good reason we are told not to allow nightfall to come while we are still angry...going to sleep with all those negative emotions leaves doors open in your spirit and life for the enemy to move in even while you sleep! The fundamental question to ask myself then is, whatever the issue is, whatever has happened is it worth sacrificing the presence and protection of the Holy Spirit in my heart, mind and soul for? If I invite the enemy in, I am asking the Holy Spirit to leave..they simply cannot occupy the same space! Is that a price I am willing to pay for my anger, for any reason, for any provocation?? In Matthew 18:21 Peter asks -Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. In Mark 11:25 Jesus says Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions. Anger is a human emotion, one I cannot escape...but I can choose how long I let it last, I can choose to forgive as quickly as I can, I can choose not to be bitter, I can choose to forgive even when it looks like the other party does not deserve it... remembering that I did not deserve forgiveness but I got it anyway...I did not deserve someones life in exchange for my sin...but He gave it to me anyway! I can choose not to hunger for revenge, not to tear that person down with the words of my mouth, not to gossip, not to bear malice...I can choose Jesus and to repent fully if I know I have sinned in this way. Proverbs 4:23 says Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. I am going to be guarding mine against footholds for the enemy...are you? I want springs of life...not the tendrils of death!!!! Be blessed dear brethren and may the peace of the Lord of Hosts be with you today and every day in Jesus Holy name. Amen ©Jennifer. I @His Love Within Please like, comment and share and love as He loves you!!! Follow this page for daily updates from His Love Within.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 09:21:22 +0000
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