July 24: Better Than Taking a City

The driver in front of you is going ten under. Your hands grip the wheel. A word comes out you wouldn’t say in church. And it’s only nine in the morning.

Proverbs says the person who is slow to anger is better than a mighty warrior. The one who rules his own spirit is better than one who captures a city. That turns strength upside down. Real strength isn’t winning the fight. It’s controlling yourself.

For a lot of people, losing their temper felt like power. The yelling, the slammed door, the angry text. It felt strong in the moment. Then came the regret, the apology that didn’t land, and often a drink to quiet it all down.

Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. That means it grows from God’s work in you, not just from gritting your teeth. But you do your part. You practice. And the practice is small and boring. Breathing before you speak. Pulling over if you need to. Walking away from an argument and coming back later.

Traffic is a great place to practice, honestly. Every red light is a chance. Every slow driver is a teacher. Try saying a short prayer for the person who cut you off. It sounds silly. It works better than you’d think.

If you use the Steps & Scripture app, the evening check-in is a good place to name the times anger showed up during the day. Seeing the pattern helps you get ahead of it.

Remember also that anger often sits on top of something else. Fear. Hurt. Tiredness. Hunger. When you feel the heat rising, ask what’s underneath. Often it’s easier to deal with the real thing than with the anger itself.

Ruling your spirit takes a lifetime. You won’t master it this month. But every time you choose calm, you’re stronger than you were.

One thing today

Next time you’re in traffic or in line and you feel irritated, say a one-sentence prayer for the person in front of you. Do it at least three times today.

A prayer

God, I want to be the kind of strong that rules my own spirit. When I feel the heat rise today, slow me down. Show me what’s underneath, and help me stay calm. Amen.

Asking God to take your temper, and practicing calm, is what Step Seven is for.

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