How to Win Without Being Wicked (Part 4 of 4)

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“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” (Psa 37:8).

When we read today’s verse by itself alone, we may feel incapable of following its counsel. Especially if we have suffered the injustice of false accusation, or experienced the pain of an unprovoked attack against us.

But this verse does not stand alone; it comes as the fifth step in a series, and is in fact the inevitable result of our taking the first four steps by faith. In other words, if we will take steps one through four – step five will just happen almost effortlessly.

#5 Cease from Anger – The word means to “let it go.” More specifically, “to stop holding onto it.” This is how you win without being wicked.

There are some people who hold onto an offense, turning it over and over in their minds until it creates such a churning anger in their soul that they feel they must take measures into their own hands, and act in a manner that is destructive and extreme. Often the consequences are irreparable.

God has given us a choice; a way to escape from the path of anger and bitterness; a way to live in freedom and the fullness of His blessing. He says to us Trust, Delight, Commit, Rest, and Cease.

Say those words aloud the next time you’re faced with a flare-up; and see how the Lord redirects your steps to Life.

High in the Canadian Rockies is a rushing stream called Divide Creek. At one point in its course, the waters reach a large boulder. The water which travels to the left of the boulder rushes down into the Kicking Horse River and finally into the Pacific Ocean. The water which travels to the right of the large rock makes it down into the Bow River which empties into two more rivers and then into the Atlantic Ocean. Once the water divides at that boulder, its ultimate destiny is decided. Downstream from that great rock the course cannot be altered. The left side goes to the Pacific and the right side goes to the Atlantic.

This five step plan in Psalm 37:3-8 works my friend! It has made the difference in my own life, and I know it will do the same for you. May this be the Boulder that turns you on the right course!
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